Welcome
My name is Laura Readyoff, and I am thrilled to welcome you to another fantastic year of music-making with the Nova Youth Ensembles. Whether you’re a returning member or joining us for the first time, I am excited to embark on this musical journey together.
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This year NoVa Youth Ensembles is offering multiple string ensembles as well as adding a Wind Ensemble to our offerings!
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At Nova Youth Ensembles, we believe music is for everyone. Our ensembles are a place where young musicians of all backgrounds and skill levels come together to create, learn, and inspire one another. As executive director, my goal (along with our other musical directors) is to help you grow not only as a musician, but as a confident, creative, and collaborative individual.
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Each rehearsal is an opportunity to challenge ourselves, support each other, and discover the joy of making music as a team. We’ll explore a wide range of repertoire, develop our technical skills, and most importantly—have fun along the way!
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If you’re passionate about music and eager to be part of a supportive, energetic community, you’re in the right place. I look forward to getting to know each of you, hearing your unique musical voice, and celebrating our accomplishments together.
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Let’s make this season unforgettable!
Laura Readyoff
Executive Director
Concert Orchestra
Lettie Miller-conductor
String Ensembles
Symphonic Orchestra
Laura Readyoff-concuctor
Chamber Orchestra
David Lester-conductor
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, adheare correct right and left hand postures, and be enthusiastic to learn more. Musical selections are of the highest caliber and are chosen in order to educate and inspire. The Concert Orchestra will perform winter and spring performances for the community. All students who meet the minimum requirements 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 meet the minimum requirements will be accepted into the program.
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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 musicality, 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.
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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.
Auditions
General Information
Tuition:
$97 a month
Scholarship options are available!
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Rehearsal Times:
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Concert Orchestra
Saturday's starting Jan 10th, 2026
9am-10am
Location The Music Loft 585 Grove St Suite 310 Herndon
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Symphonic Orchestra
Saturday starting October 4th, 2025
10:00am-11:00am
Location The Music Loft 585 Grove St Suite 310 Herndon
Chamber Orchestra
Saturday's starting October 4th, 2025
3:30-4:30pm
Location: The Music Loft 20915 Ashburn Rd. Suite 210 Ashburn
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, 1 or 2 octaves memorized or 1 or 2 octave G major scale memorized
Viola: G Major Scale, 1 or 2 octaves memorized or 1 or 2 octave C major scale memorized
Cello: G Major Scale, 1 or 2 octaves memorized or 1 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.
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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: 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. ​​​​