Orchestras/Camps

Youth Orchestra Opportunities in/around Loudoun County (in alphabetical order):

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras:

AYPO offers an opportunity for intense orchestral training, development and performance under outstanding conductors and coaches. Consisting of four separate ensembles — the String Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, and Philharmonic Orchestra — the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras provides talented young people an opportunity to perform in one of this nation’s premier youth ensembles, offering them musical experiences of the highest caliber.
Auditions are held yearly (2 rounds) for their preparatory orchestras (AYSE and AYCO) as well as their advanced orchestras (AYSO and AYP).  The application deadline for string instruments is April 1.

• American Youth String Ensemble:
• Under the direction of Dr. Cheri Collins, the String Ensemble offers the youngest string musicians the fundamentals of ensemble playing as a gateway to orchestral performance. Students in AYSE are primarily of elementary and middle school ages.  Rehearsals are held Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Langley High School.

• American Youth Concert Orchestra:
• The Concert Orchestra is a symphonic training orchestra of trained, young wind and string players primarily of middle and early high school age led by conductor J.D. Anderson. This group works to enhance their ensemble playing and musicality through performance of symphonic arrangements of full symphonic repertoire.  Rehearsals are held Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at Kilmer Middle School.

• American Youth Symphonic Orchestra:
• Led by Conductor Carl J. Bianchi, the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra is an orchestra for advanced musicians (primarily high school age) who want to perform challenging repertoire and develop their musicianship. The repertoire for this orchestra is from the standard symphonic literature. Rehearsals are held Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Kilmer Middle School. 

• American Youth Philharmonic:
• The American Youth Philharmonic® (AYP) is conducted by Music Director Daniel Spalding. AYP is a full symphonic orchestra consisting of the most accomplished young musicians in the area, mainly of high school age, who perform demanding standard orchestral literature as well as newly composed works. Rehearsals are held Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at Langley High School.

Loudoun String Workshop Ensemble:
Loudoun String Workshop ensemble is open to string players without audition or fee.  All ages are welcome. This playing opportunity is appropriate for beginning to moderately advanced players. String Workshop members should be able to read music and should have had at least one year of lessons on their instrument.

Fundamentals such as tone production, rhythmic accuracy, bow techniques, and overall musicianship are stressed in a light and informal rehearsal setting.  Volunteer Loudoun Symphony members play alongside the workshop members, providing advice and assistance. Workshop concerts are held before some Loudoun Symphony concerts. The String Workshop rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm – 7:30 pm, September through May.  Most rehearsals are at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn.



Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra:

The Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra (LSYO) provides performing opportunities for students age 10-18 who have at least three years of experience with a private teacher or in school music programs.
Participation is by audition. All members are re-auditioned annually. Auditions are generally held the first weekend after school begins in the fall and then as needed to fill open positions.  For the 2011-12 season, approximately 100 students auditioned, and 65 were accepted.  Audition requirements are available on their website.

LSYO rehearses each Thursday during the school year from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Rehearsals include professionally directed sectionals, a master class, and a concerto competition. Rehearsals and concerts generally take place at Heritage High School in Leesburg. 


McLean Youth Orchestra:

The McLean Youth Orchestra (MYO) provides the finest possible musical education to students who represent the future of classical music in the community. Designed for musically advanced middle and high school students aged 12 to 18, MYO offers the serious music student the opportunity to play in an accomplished orchestra while further developing their musical skills.

The MYO plays three to four major concerts per season performing music from challenging orchestra repertoire. Major auditions are held between June and September, with rolling auditions held year round depending on MYO’s specific needs.


Patrick Henry College Youth Orchestra:

The PHC Youth Music Academy was established in 2007 as part of an effort to serve the community and encourage local homeschooling families in their educational undertaking. It is comprised of high school and middle school students and meets once a week on the Patrick Henry College campus for rehearsal.
YMA holds open auditions in August and January for choir and orchestra. To schedule an orchestra audition, call Mr. Todd Morrison at 703-901-2068 or email him at morrison1998@hughes.net.

Weekly rehearsals for the YMA Orchestra will be held in the Large Rehearsal Room in the Barbara Hodel Student Center on the Patrick Henry College campus in Purcellville on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30pm.


The Youth Orchestras of Fairfax:

TYOF is comprised of talented school-age musicians from the Greater Washington, D.C., area. We are proud to support two ensembles each year. Auditions are held in mid-June with applications required by the beginning of June. Rehearsals are Mondays 7pm to 9pm at Jeb Stuart High School, Falls Church, Virginia.

• United Youth Symphony Orchestra: 
• The UYSO is conducted by Dr. Peter Wilson and is an advanced ensemble, complete with strings, winds, brass and percussion. Students in this group have usually been playing their instrument for an average of 5-9 years. 

• Concert Youth String Ensemble: The CYSE is conducted by Ms. Catherine Prosser and features intermediate level strings. Students in this group have usually been playing for at least 3 years

Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (WMYO):

Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is an auditioned symphonic orchestra for advanced student musicians. Led by Conductor Henry Sgrecci, WMYO provides a unique opportunity for talented and committed young musicians to grow in an environment where the focus is on performance and collaboration. WMYO performs four concerts of challenging orchestral repertoire per year.
Rehearsals are normally held Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Auditions are held in May in Alexandria, Virginia. To arrange an audition, call (703) 799-8229 or email wmpa@earthlink.com. Please be sure to include your telephone number.



String Summer Camps in/around Loudoun County:

Music Academy of Virignia Summer Camps: String Ensembles

The Music Academy of Virginia is a privately owned educational network of music instructors directed by Alan Aranas.  It offers a variety of Summer Music Camps, including String Ensembles of all levels;
Typical Ensemble rehearsal includes: Class Warm up, Technique review and instruction, Music Rehearsal and Sight Reading.

String Ensemble camps are available in June (Sterling) and August (South Riding).  Early registration (with discount) ends May 20th, 2012.  Registration deadline is June 4, 2012.  Registration and audition are done online.