Welcome to NoVa Youth Ensembles
Concert Orchestra
The NoVa Youth Concert Orchestra is open to all students who love music. The ensemble is best suited for students who have 2-4 years of playing experience. Musicians should be proficient in reading music ,correct right and left hand posture and enthusiastic to learn more. Musical selections are of the highest caliber and are chosen in order to educate,inspire, and The Concert Orchestra will perform winter and spring performances for the community. All students will be accepted into the program.
Symphonic Orchestra
The NoVa Youth Symphonic Orchestra is open to all intermediate middle and high school students who love music.The ensemble is best suited for intermediate to advanced middle and high school students who have at least 4 years of playing experience. Musicians should be proficient or working on vibrato, shifting, and other intermediate to advanced skills. Students will expand their musicality and continue on their technical journey. All students who audition will be accepted into the program.
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.
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.
Performance Opportunities
Ensembles will have the unique opportunity to perform with the Reston Symphony Orchestra. Other performances include Dulles Town Center Mall Holiday Serenades, The Herndon Senior Center and other community performances.
"Less than 24 months ago, our 7th grader squawked out his very first note on the upright bass. Today, thanks in large part to Ms. Laura and the Nova Youth Ensemble, our son has strengthened his technical skills and love of music. He can now confidently read advanced notes and tempo and is applying this all to breathtaking Ensemble performances, including with the Reston Community Orchestra. Our son wants everyone to know that he thinks : the music, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Tchaikovsky, is challenging and possible; that Ms. Laura is fun and helps every single musician improve their skills; and it’s very cool to perform with adults in the Reston Community Orchestra ; and he really loves the upright bass."- Emillie L.
Laura Readyoff
Conductor
David Lester
Conductor
Audition and Registration Information for String Ensembles
General Information Tuition:
$97 a month Scholarships are available!
Rehearsal Times
Concert Orchestra
Wednesday's starting Oct 30th 6:00pm-7:00pm @ The Music Loft Herndon
Symphonic Orchestra
Saturday starting November 2nd 9:00am-10am @ The Music Loft Herndon
Chamber Orchestra
Saturday starting November 2nd 4pm-5:00pm @ The Music Loft Herndon
Please fill out the registration form below. If you have additional questions, please visit the policies page or feel free to email us at info@novayouthensembles.com.
All students are accepted into the Strings Program when they meet the minimum requirement!
Concert Orchestra Audition Requirements
Scales
Violin: D Major Scale, 2 octaves memorized or 2 octave G major scale memorized
Viola: G Major Scale, 2 octaves memorized or 2 octave C major scale memorized
Cello: G Major Scale, 2 octaves memorized or 2 octave C major scale memorized
Bass: D Major Scale, 1 octave. Memorized.
Solo: A solo that best demonstrates technical and expressive performance ability.
Symphonic Orchestra Audition Requirements
Scales
Strings: Any 2-octave major scale that demonstrates 3rd or 4th position shifting. Slur two in a bow. Memorized. Solo
A solo that best demonstrates technical and expressive performance ability.
String musicians are expected to play at the Suzuki Book 4-5 or equivalent performance level.
Chamber Orchestra Audition Requirements
Scales
Strings: Any 3 octave major scale for violin, viola and cello that demonstrates higher level shifting. Slur 4 in a bow. Bass - any 2 octave scale. Memorized.
Solo
A solo that best demonstrates technical and expressive performance ability. String musicians are expected to play concertos or play at the Suzuki level 6 or equivalent performance level.