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OUR PROGRAMS

Level 1 - An introductory group coaching program for beginning strings, brass, and woodwind players, Notes Level 1 focuses on building strong foundational music skills, technique, and ensemble readiness. Notes Level one focuses on proper posture and set up, tuning, 1 octave major scales, and reading rhythms and note names. All instruments will learn sight-reading skills; string players will learn to sight read notes in first position on all four strings. Students learn these skills using the first half of “I Can Read Music” Volume 1) and  Essential Elements  Volume 1 (up to #92).  Every session includes warm-up activities, scale practice, sight-reading, ensemble pieces, and music theory/note-reading work.

Level 2 - Notes Level 2 reinforces proper set up, posture, and bow grip (for strings). By the end of the year Notes 2 students should be able to read rhythms through the end of “I Can Read Music” Volume 1 and from “A Rhythm A Week.”. Students in Notes Level 2 complete Essential Elements Volume 1 . For violin and viola, scales with 4th fingers, low 2nds fingers are introduced, and minor scales are introduced for all instruments. For strings, bowings such as slurs, staccato, and hooked bowing are introduced. For winds and brass, legato and staccato are introduced. Every session includes warm-up activities, scale practice, sight-reading, ensemble pieces, and music theory/note-reading work.

SINFONIA PREPARATORY STRINGS ENSEMBLE - Advanced Beginner Level

An introductory orchestral experience for string players at an advanced beginner level. Participants refine technical and musical skAn introductory orchestral experience for string players at an advanced beginner level. Participants refine technical and musical skills while learning to perform in a large ensemble, fostering collaboration and musical growth through engaging, age-appropriate repertoire. The focus in the Sinfonia Strings Ensemble is on mastery of reading notes, rhythms, and concepts as presented in Essential Elements Volume 2. Scales with 4th fingers, low 2nds fingers, and minor scales are mastered. Off the string strokes, such as spiccato, brush stroke, and sautille, are introduced. The basics of shifting and vibrato are introduced. In addition to pieces from Essential Elements volume 2, students will perform works for string orchestra at Grade levels 1/2 , 1 ½, and 2. Our Sinfonia Strings Conductor is Dr. Richard Loheyde.
 

BRIDGE - Intermediate to Advanced Level

A dynamic program designed to support students transitioning from Sinfonia to the Youth Symphony. With focused repertoire, coaching, and performance opportunities, Bridge strengthens musicianship, ensemble confidence, and prepares students for the demands of advanced orchestral playing. String players will focus on repertoire that emphasizes facility with shifting through third position, mastering off-the-string strokes, and mastering vibrato. All instruments will work on reading music in both simple and compound meters, and in developing the facility to play in a wide variety of major and minor keys. Recent repertoire has included Bizet’s L’Arlesienne, Holst’s Jupiter. Our Bridge Conductor is Mrs. Debbie Walden.

Youth Symphony - Advanced Level

Our flagship ensemble for advanced student musicians, the Youth Symphony performs challenging full orchestral repertoire rated grade 4 or higher and prepares students for orchestral experiences at the college level and beyond . Members develop high-level musicianship, leadership skills, and ensemble precision, while experiencing the full artistry of symphonic performance. Examples of recent repertoire have included Sibelius’ Finlandia, Bizet’s Carmen Suite, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, van Suppé’s Light Cavalry Overture, and Marquez’ Conga del Fuego Nuevo. Our Youth Symphony Conductor is Dr. Alexander Kahn. 

Students in the Youth Symphony are eligible to enter into our Annual Concerto Competition and to perform at BottleRock Napa Valley.

Chamber Ensembles: Strings, Brass & Woodwinds - Advanced+

These advanced chamber ensemble bring together accomplished strings, brass, and woodwind musicians to perform collegiate-level repertoire in small ensemble settings. The program emphasizes refined musical expression, ensemble leadership, and technical mastery. Through challenging works and close collaboration, students develop the artistry and precision essential for advanced performance and pre-professional training. Our Strings Chamber Ensemble Director is: Yasushi Ogura.