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Youth Symphony Program
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
The Youth Symphony performs challenging full orchestral repertoire rated grade 4 or higher, developing members' musicianship, leadership, and ensemble precision while preparing them for orchestral experiences at the college level and beyond.
YOUTH SYMPHONY
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.
Students in the Youth Symphony are eligible to enter into our Annual Concerto Competition, join our Advanced Chamber Ensembles, participate in our Summer Tours and perform at BottleRock Napa Valley.
QUICK FACTS
LEVEL
Advanced Level
INSTRUMENTS
Strings, Brass & Woodwinds
ELIGIBILITY
Ages 8+ · Prior experience required
AUDITION
Required
TUITION
$1,000 per season
CONDUCTOR
Dr. Alexander Kahn
SOLO PIECE
All candidates should present a prepared piece or study that demonstrates their current level of musicianship, including technical facility and artistic expression, and reflects their readiness to perform at a high level. String players should prepare a work from at the level of Suzuki Book Four or higher.
SCALES - STRINGS
Two Major scales, 2 Octaves, 1 ♯ key & 1 ♭ key
Two Minor scales, 2 Octaves, 1 ♯ key & 1 ♭ key
Chromatic Scale, lowest to highest note
All string players should be prepared to play their scales with the following articulations:
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In slow Legato Quarter Notes (metronome quarter = 60), one note per bow, using the whole bow, rich sound, and vibrato.
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With Slurs of your choosing, anything from 2 to 12 notes per bow. As fast as you are comfortable with solid intonation.
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Sautillé Sixteenth Notes, quickly, repeating each note of the scale four or eight times.
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Spiccato Eighth Notes off the string, moderate tempo, repeating each note of the scale four times.
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Hooked bowing (full fast bow with a dotted rhythm - Double dotted quarter note and a 16th note, for example)
SCALES - WOODWIND & BRASS
Two Major scales, 2 Octaves, 1 ♯ key & 1 ♭ key
Two Minor scales, 2 Octaves, 1 ♯ key & 1 ♭ key
Chromatic Scale, lowest to highest note
All woodwind and brass players should be prepared to play their scales with the following articulations:
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In slow Legato Quarter Notes (metronome Quarter Note = 60)
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In Eighth Notes, Slur 4
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In Eighth Notes, Slur 2, Tongue 2
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In Sixteenth Notes, 4 Sixteenth Notes per Note, Staccato
Violin
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One 3-Octave Major Scale of your choice
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One 3-Octave Minor Scale of your choice
Viola/Cello
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One Three Octave Major Scale of your choice
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One Three Octave Minor Scale of your choice
Bass
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One One Octave D Major Scale
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One One Octave D Minor Scale
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
TUITION COSTS
$1,000
✓ 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