MYO Orchestras
See our orchestras
Debut Ensemble One and Two
Meets Saturdays, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Beginners, K – 5th grade*: Focus is on basic technique and fluency + fun; accomplished through movement, singing, and playing instruments. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals by playing an instrument.
Instructors: Tyler Baker, Genevieve Miedema, James Highbaugh, and Jordan Nelson
Dolce Primo One and Two
Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
1-3 years of MYO experience, 3rd – 8th grade*: Focus is on refining basic technique, learning note reading, and learning to follow a conductor. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals.
Instructors: Tyler Baker and James Highbaugh
Dolce Secundo
Meets Saturdays, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
4+ years of MYO experience, 4th grade and up*: Focus is on extending note-reading to new keys and expanding ensemble technique. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals.
Instructor: Aren Bucci
Orchestra C
Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
4+ years of MYO experience, middle school age*: Focus is on honing ensemble technique and etiquette and intermediate bowings. Students are introduced to seating auditions and learn about the role of a principal player as well as each section in the orchestra.
Conductor: Genevieve Miedema
Orchestra B
Meets Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Audition for placement, 9th and 10th grades*
Conductor: Shannon Crow
Orchestra A
Meets Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Audition for placement, 11th and 12th grades*
Conductor: Jordan Nelson
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Some students seek additional rehearsal and performance opportunities. For those students, we offer a chamber ensemble that rehearses once per week and performs at community events representing the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. Participants are expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and responsibility in preparation for these events. This ensemble is open to Orchestra A, B, and C students who are in 8th grade and up. Members of Chamber Ensemble receive iPads and are required to pay a $50 technology fee.
*Any references to ability level and age are general guidelines only. Orchestra assignments are made by our faculty and staff based on a variety of factors.
PARENT AND ALUMNI ENSEMBLE
Meets Sundays, twice a month
This is an orchestra for parents seeking an extra challenge and alumni wanting to remain part of the MYO community. Sign up details are provided at family orientation or by reaching out to the organization.
Chamber Ensemble Performance Request
If your company or organization would like to showcase young musicians performing a variety of popular and classical tunes at your next event, please fill out the request form. Requests must be submitted at least three months in advance, and to honor our young performers and their time, not all requests may be approved.