Napa Valley Youth Symphony
Representing over 27 schools from within and beyond the Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Youth Symphony is a full symphonic orchestra led by Ming Luke which provides professional musical training for the 50+ students involved in the program. Dedicated to performing the great masterworks of classical composers of the present and past centuries, the Youth Symphony performs three major concerts each year. The Youth Symphony has garnered many accolades over the past few seasons, including recognition of achievement by United States Senator Barbara Boxer and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Sinfonia
Sinfonia, led by Sabine Hirsohn and Stephanie Hawks, is a string orchestra designed to give entry-level students experience in an ensemble setting while developing technical and performance skills. It serves as a foundation for musical growth in the orchestral tradition. Violin, viola, cello, and bass students comprise this fun orchestra. Sinfonia is appropriate for students who are comfortable playing in first position and are performing in Suzuki Book 2-5, or the equivalent.
Wind Sinfonia
Wind Sinfonia is the sister ensemble to Sinfonia and is designed to give entry-level wind and brass students experience in an ensemble setting while developing technical and performance skills. Led by Robin May and Debbie Walden, Wind Sinfonia and Sinfonia perform together three concerts a season and additional special events.
Masterclasses
Due to partnerships with several Napa arts providers, the students of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony have the opportunity to work and study with some of the best musicians in the world throughout the year. These masterclasses are open to the public and take place throughout the season. Over the past few season the musicians of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony have had the oppotunity to work with such musicians as: Violinist Dan Flanagan, the Cypress Quartet, Violinist Chloe Hanslip, Oboist Robin May, the Pacifica Quartet, Violinist Jennifer Frautschi, Violinist Dawn Harms, and Pianist Jeffrey Sykes.
Chamber Music
Led by Napa Valley Symphony musician Peggy Brady, the Chamber Music Program at the Napa Valley Youth Symphony started in 2006-2007 as a pilot program with the goal of engaging students in the expansive and varied repertoire of chamber music. Requiring musicians to really communicate, breathe, and phrase with their playing partners, the chamber music program provides students with individual feedback from professional coaches to further develop their musicianship. An integral part of any young musician's training, the chamber music program will be available to any student in the Youth Symphony.
