Our Mission Matters
The mission of our youth ensemble is to provide an accessible, high-quality musical experience that embraces economic diversity and fosters artistic growth. We are committed to offering an affordable, educational, and engaging environment where young musicians can develop their skills, cultivate a deep appreciation for music, and participate in a collaborative community. Through this inclusive approach, we aim to inspire excellence, promote cultural understanding, and nurture the personal and musical development of every member.
Programs
NoVa Youth Orchestra members have the unique opportunity to work with professional musicians from the Reston Community Orchestra.
Conductor Dietrich Paredes welcomes the partnership. "Mentoring the youth of our community through our combined ensembles is part of our mission as an ensemble".
The excitement of the the students is palpable as they look forward to working alongside professional musicians.
Band
Begins 2028-29
NoVa Youth Ensembles’ Intermediate Wind Ensemble offers passionate young musicians in Northern Virginia the opportunity to advance their skills in a collaborative, supportive environment. Open to woodwind, brass, and percussion players with prior ensemble experience, our group focuses on developing musical technique, ensemble playing, and artistic expression through a diverse repertoire.
Choir
Begins 2026-27
The NoVa Youth Choir caters to students in elementary school. Committed to nurturing each singer’s vocal technique, musical understanding, performance discipline, confidence, and collaboration skills, we create a welcoming and encouraging environment where students feel supported to express themselves and grow together toward shared musical goals.
Guitar
Begins 2027-28
The NoVa Guitar ensemble learns and performs music written or arranged for multiple guitars across many genres, from classical to contemporary and popular music. Their goals include improving musicianship, learning ensemble techniques, and preparing for public performances
In an ensemble even relatively inexperienced players can learn to read more quickly, phrase correctly, gain control of dynamics and improve their rhythm by having to follow a beat. More over, players can gain confidence in performance.
Percussion
Bucket Drumming
Begins 2026-27
NoVa Bucket Drumming begins at the elementary school level and then advances to a true percussion ensemble. Starting with bucket drumming, students will learn movement and rhythm along with the basics of bucket drumming. The curriculum will include basic percussive rhythms, reading and understanding music notation which will include unique bucket drumming notation.
NoVa Percussion ensemble is for the more experienced percussionist. The music can range from classical works and chamber music to world music and new compositions expressly written for percussion.
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Upcoming Performances
NoVa Symphonic and Chamber Ensemble
Winter Delights "Holiday Sing-a-Long"
Date: Dec 6th 2025
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Dulles Town Center Mall "Holiday Serenades"
Date: Dec 13th 2025
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π Day: More Than Three for the Ages
Date: March 14th 2026
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Date: April 25th, 2026
Our Current Video Highlights
