The MYO Orchestras
See our orchestras
Debut Ensemble
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 the instruments. Parents are expected to participate with or without an instrument.
Instructors: Krystle Ford, Genevieve Miedema, Aren Bucci, Chrestien Bottoms, and Loida Garza
Dolce Primo
Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
1 full year of MYO experience, 3rd – 5th grade*: Focus is on refining basic technique and learning note reading. Parents are expected to be present at orchestra rehearsal (hopefully as a player!).
Instructors: Loida Garza and Chrestien Bottoms
Dolce Secundo
Meets Saturdays, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
3+ years of MYO experience, 4th grade and up*: Focus is on extending note-reading to new keys, and ensemble technique. Parents are expected to be present at orchestra rehearsal (hopefully as a player!).
Instructor: Aren Bucci
Orchestra C
Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
4+ years of MYO experience, upper elementary and middle school age*: Focus is honing ensemble technique and etiquette and intermediate bowings. Students are introduced to seating auditions and learn about the roles of a principal player as well as each section in the orchestra.
Conductor: Krystle Ford
Orchestra B
Meets Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Audition for placement, middle school age (grades 6 – 9)*
Conductor: Shannon Crow
Orchestra A
Meets Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Audition for placement, high school age (grades 8 – 12)*
Conductor: Krystle Ford
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Some of our students seek additional rehearsal and performance opportunities – for those students we have a chamber ensemble, which rehearses once per week and performs at community events on behalf of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. An extra level of professionalism and responsibility is expected to be prepared for these events. This orchestra is open to Orchestra A and B students.
*Any references to ability level and age are general guidelines only and not guaranteed. Orchestra assignments are made by our faculty and staff based on a variety of factors.
Chamber Orchestra Performance Request
If your company or organization would like to feature young musicians performing an array of popular and classical tunes in their next event, please complete the request form. Requests should be a minimum of 3 months in advance and, out of respect for our young people and their time, not all requests will be approved.