Youth Orchestra Ensembles
The Sarasota Orchestra Youth Program consists of five orchestras, affording students the opportunity to participate in an ensemble comparable to their skill level. Students audition each year for a position in one of these orchestras. Each ensemble rehearses weekly, from September to mid-April in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center at 709 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
Youth Philharmonic - Conducted by Dirk Meyer, Associate Conductors Nathan Frantz and Mark Spreen
All string, wind, brass and percussion players have solid technical and musical proficiency on their instruments. Learning how to play the instrument is now secondary to exploring the musical mastery of the great classical composers. Most students take private lessons.
Rehearses Mondays 5:00-7:30 pm
Youth Symphony - Conducted by Dirk Meyer, Associate Conductors Nathan Frantz and Mark Spreen
All string players exhibit solid technique - including vibrato, shifting, and a variety of bowing styles. Nuances of musicality are the focus of this ensemble. Students perform arrangements and original compositions. Wind and Brass players explore symphonic repertoire and develop the technique that accompanies this style of playing.
Rehearses Mondays 5:00-7:30 pm
Symphonic Strings - Conducted by Susan Heinz
Expanding on the foundation of Chamber Strings, this ensemble continues to build musicality and refi ne playing. Most students play all major and minor scales. Shifting is explored more fully in this ensemble.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am
Chamber Strings - Conducted by Amanda Nix
Because students have good understanding of musical concepts and are able to put them together in an ensemble, this class emphasizes strong basic technical skills including left hand position and varied bowing techniques.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am
Prelude Strings - Conducted by Cynthia Wiley
Building on note-reading skills and basic techniques, this class expands ensemble skills, listening and musical concepts. Previous instruction on the instrument required.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am
Policy Regarding School Music Programs
Participation in the Sarasota Youth Orchestra Program is designed to enhance, not replace school music instruction. School music programs provide the essential daily ensemble and rehearsal instruction required for serious musical progress. Students who enroll in the Youth Orchestra are required to participate in their school orchestra or band, if one exists. The Sarasota Orchestra believes that school music programs are vital to the development of young musicians – educationally, artistically and socially. By participating in school music programs, young musicians can serve as role models, receive leadership training and share their talents with others. School programs also provide other important opportunities such as access to All-State Band/Orchestras, Solo and Ensemble Assesments and performing in productions.
Tuition
The Youth Orchestra program has consistently been among the most affordable programs of its caliber throughout Florida. Although the program is underwritten in part by our donors and special endowments, student tuition still covers less than half of all program costs.
Application Fee: $25 per student
Tuition: $260 per student (26-week season)
The application fee must accompany each student application form. Application fees are nonrefundable.
Upon acceptance into the program, student tuition is due and payable in full by September 19, 2009. Major credit cards are accepted. A payment plan is available upon request.
Applications
Those interested in participating in any of the above ensembles, must submit a Youth Orchestra Audition Application. If you are interested in financial assistance for either the tuition or with private less, please fill out and submit the attached Scholarship Application.
For more information or questions, contact the
Sarasota Orchestra Education Department at (941) 487-2730.
