The 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 the instruments. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals by playing an instrument.
Instructors: Tyler Baker, Krystle Ford, Nealita Callahan, Genevieve Miedema, Lisa Kim, James Highbaugh, Jordan Nelson, and Eric Lakanen
Dolce Primo One and Two
Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
1-3 years of MYO experience, 3rd – 5th 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 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, 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, 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 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, B, and C students who are in 8th grade and up. Students in Chamber Ensemble receive iPads and must pay a $50 technology deposit.
*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.
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 will be provided at family orientation.
Chamber Ensemble 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.