Who may enroll

Musicians who have studied their instrument for a minimum of two years and who pass an audition may enroll in Orchestra School.

This is a full orchestra; auditions are held for strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion and harp.

Schedule

We operate on a semester system, Sept – Dec and Jan – May. Rehearsals are held weekly. All Orchestra School activities take place during the school day.

Rehearsals are Wednesdays, noon – 2 pm.

Tuition

Tuition per semester:

• $120 per semester for the first student
• $100 for the second family member
• No charge for additional family members

Audition

Orchestra School is for musicians who already know their way around their instrument and are ready to learn the art of playing in a large, mixed ensemble. For this reason, all musicians must audition in order to enroll. Auditions are not competitive; they are simply how we guage your readiness to join.

Good indicators of readiness include:

• at least two years study on your instrument
• ability to read music
• know how to care for your instrument
• maintain good posture and playing position, including bow hold and embouchure
• use bow control to play staccato, legato and detache strokes
• able to tune your instrument using a tuner or other pitch reference
• can play expressively, following markings in the music
• comfortable playing duets and trios (i.e. able to maintain individual musical line while playing with others)

These are not prerequisites, merely a way to gauge readiness for Orchestra School.

If you’re ready to enroll

Please contact us today to arrange your audition.