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
This is a full orchestra for the most advanced students. This group reads and performs major symphonic works. Emphasis is placed on advanced technique, reading and performance skills, solid intonation, musicianship and professionalism.
Rehearses Mondays 5:15-7:30 p.m.
Youth Symphony - Conducted by John Dupuis
This is a full orchestra for advanced students. This group performs original compositions and transcriptions of major symphonic literature. Intermediate and advanced technique, reading skills, consistent intonation and tone development are stressed.
Rehearses Mondays 5:15-7:30 p.m.
Symphonic Strings - Conducted by Susan Heinz
This is an intermediate string orchestra. Repertoire includes original compositions and arrangements. Technique, sight-reading and listening skills, developing shifting skills and improving tone production are the focus.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am.
Chamber Strings - Conducted by Elizabeth Gough
A string orchestra that continues the concepts learned in Prelude Strings, with emphasis on basic technique, intonation, sight-reading and listening skills. Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am.
Prelude Strings - Conducted by Cynthia Wiley
This ensemble is for beginning-level string students with minimal experience. Note-reading skills are introduced.
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 13, 2008. 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.
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