Wind Ensemble | NoVa Youth Ensembles

Hi musicians! We are looking forward to getting to know each of you! As your musical directors, we are looking forward to inspiring you, challenging you, and creating a renewed passion for you for music. We will meet you where you are musically and together we will create great youth orchestras.

We are inclusive which means anyone can join. There is a short informal audition for students. This audition helps us determine where you would best fit in the ensemble. We meet weekly for 1 hour at the place is TBD.

Beginning Wind Ensemble

Welcome to the Beginning Wind Ensemble. If you love playing in your school band and would love to play more, this a great opportunity for you! In a beginning wind ensemble, you learn foundational musical skills, including proper instrument technique, music reading, rhythm, and ensemble playing, all while developing a strong foundation for future musical growth. This ensemble is best for students who have been playing their instrument for 2-4 years. All musicians will be accepted into the program!

Intermediate/Advanced Wind Ensemble

If you are an upper middle school/high school level player and you would like more of a music challenge while broadening your musical horizons, please join us! In an advanced wind ensemble, you learn to refine your musical skills through challenging repertoire, focusing on advanced techniques, musical interpretation, and ensemble balance, while also exploring diverse musical styles and historical contexts.

Performance Opportunities and Partnerships

NoVa Wind Ensemble has partnered with The Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble directed by Mr. Lawrence Walker.

Mr. Walker was a long time educator and has been honored in Fairfax County. All musicians will have the opportunity to work alongside professional musicians. I need his bio and picture.

Chamber Orchestra

The NoVa Youth Chamber Ensemble is an advanced ensemble where members have to be accepted by audition to participate. The ensemble will take music beyond the page and delve into advanced musicianship skills. Students will expand their musically, creativity, artistry and depth of musical understanding. This includes listening skills, lyricism, emotional expression, and improvisation. Students will learn to approach music making holistically, and creatively, by delving into the many genres of composers. Conductor- Mr. David Lester.

We look at the ensembles as a team. As directors of the ensembles, our jobs are to give you the tools to create beautiful music in a relaxed, atmosphere. Your part is to practice, be prepared, and come with a positive attitude ready to learn.

I hope you will join for a great 2024-25 concert season!