.png)
Sinfonia Program
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Sinfonia offers advanced beginner string and wind players an introductory orchestral experience, building technical and musical skills through Essential Elements Volume 2 and engaging, age-appropriate repertoire at Grade levels 1/2, 1½, and 2.
SINFONIA PREPARATORY STRINGS ENSEMBLE
An 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.
SINFONIA PREPARATORY WINDS ENSEMBLE
An introductory orchestral experience for wind 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 Sinfonia is on mastery of reading notes, rhythms, and concepts as presented in Essential Elements Volume 2. In addition, students perform works for wind ensemble at Grade levels 1/2 , 1 ½, and 2.
QUICK FACTS
LEVEL
Advanced Beginner Level
INSTRUMENTS
Strings, Brass & Woodwinds
ELIGIBILITY
Ages 8+ · Prior experience required
AUDITION
Required
TUITION
$450 per season
CONDUCTOR
Richard Loheyde
SIGHT READING
Sightreading will be chosen from Grade .5 and Grade 1 wind ensemble and orchestral literature.
SCALES - WOODWIND & BRASS
Please choose a 1 octave major scale in one of the following keys:
-
Concert C, B-flat or F (winds/brass).
Woodwind and Brass players should prepare their scale with a metronome at quarter note = 60 in the following three ways:
-
Tongued quarter notes
-
Staccato 8th notes, two 8th notes per note
-
One 8th note per note, slur 2, tongue 2 (trombone: legato tongue 2, staccato 2)
SCALES - STRINGS
Please choose a 1 octave major scale in one of the following keys:
-
G, D, or A (violin) C, G, or D (cello/viola), E, A, or G (bass).
Strings: players should prepare your scale with a metronome at quarter note = 60 in the following three ways:
-
Legato (smooth) quarter notes with a full straight bow. 1 note per bow.
-
Staccato 8th notes (short and stopped) about 4 inches of bow in the middle of the bow
-
Slurred legato 8th with notes two per bow.
SOLO PIECE
Perform a solo work from the second half of Suzuki Volume 1 or the beginning of Suzuki book 2 (for strings) or from the second half of Essential Elements volume 1.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
-
String students ready for Sinfonia should be able to demonstrate a strong command of proper setup (bow grip, scroll position/posture, left wrist and finger shape).
-
All instruments should demonstrate the ability to play staccato as well as a legato; strings
-
Solid intonation in first position (strings) and within a one octave range (all instruments) is required.
TUITION COSTS
$450
✓ 10% Early Bird discount
✓ 10% Sibling discount for 2+ musicians
✓ 3-installment payment plan available
✓ Partial scholarships based on financial need
TUITION INCLUDES
✓ All ensemble rehearsals and live performances
✓ Hard copy of concert repertoire
✓ Online music access & practice tracks
✓ Sectional coaching throughout the season
✓ One NVYS t-shirt