In addition to lessons, it is very important for students to play with their musician peers.
Below is a list of youth orchestras and ensemble classes that I recommend, organized roughly from youngest to oldest participants.
Holy Names University Preparatory Program
Ensemble Classes/Suzuki Department
1) DoReMi/Preludio Class, violin/viola, Monday 4:30-5:30
This is a Suzuki group lesson. Beginning students through book 1 & 2.
2) Divisi String Orchestra, violin/viola, Monday 5:00-6:15
This is a beginning level ensemble for violinists and violists with no
prior ensemble experience.
3) Da Capo Youth Orchestra, all strings, Monday 6:30-8:00
Designed for intermediate-level string players to provide a stimulating, high quality ensemble experience with instruction in orchestral technique and ensemble playing.
2+ concerts per year
Classes begin at the beginning of each semester.
Auditions by appointment: Katherine Baird, program director
(510) 436-1224
baird@hnu.edu
www.hnu.edu/academics/affiliatedPrograms/preparatoryMusicDepartment.html
Young People’s Chamber Orchestra, (YPCO)
Rem Djemilev, conductor
YPCO consists of three different ensembles:
1) The Preparatory Ensemble rehearses Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00.
This a small group of string musicians, who are ready to take on the challenge of ensemble playing, but are not yet ready to join the larger Chamber Orchestra. This is an excellent first ensemble experience.
Rehearsals at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue, Berkeley
2) The Chamber Orchestra (through 8th grade) rehearses Saturday from 9:00am to noon.
The Chamber Orchestra is a group of young string musicians who are ready to work in a larger group, with more difficult repertoire.
Rehearsals at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue, Berkeley
3) The Senior Chamber Symphony (grades 9 -12) rehearses Monday evenings from 6:30-9:00.
The SCS includes strings and winds. It is limited in size, and focuses on repertoire suitable for chamber orchestra, both classical and contemporary.
Rehearses at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2220 Cedar, Berkeley
3+ concerts
Auditions by appointment throughout the year.
(510) 595-4688
manager@ypco.org
www.ypco.org
Crowden Center for Music in the Community (CCMC)
CCMC offers a variety of classes for young beginners to advanced adults. The list of classes offered can be found on their website.
Ensemble classes for youth are on Tuesday afternoons
1475 Rose St (at Sacramento) in Berkeley
(510) 559-2941
ccmc@crowden.org
http://crowden.org/CCMC/Programs/fall_spring.htm#communitystrings
Berkeley Youth Orchestra
Jay Lehmann, conductor
5th-10th grades
Full orchestra, (strings, winds, percussion)
rehearsals Saturday mornings, 8:45-noon
Laney College Theatre, 900 Fallon St., Oakland
4 concerts during the season.
Auditions and Information:
administrator@byoweb.org
www.berkeley-youth-orchestra.org
Young People’s Symphony Orchestra, (YPSO)
David Ramadanoff, conductor
Ages: 13-21
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:00-9:30pm at the Crowden School,
1475 Rose St., Berkeley
5+ concerts during the season.
Auditions and Information:
(510) 849-9776
ypsomusic@yahoo.com
www.ypsomusic.net
Oakland Youth Orchestra
Michael Morgan, artistic director
Bryan Nies, principal conductor
Ages: 12 – 22
Rehearsals: Sundays at Laney College, Room G189
900 Fallon Street, Oakland
3+ concerts during the season.
Auditions and Information:
510.832.7710
manager@oyo.org
http://www.oyo.org
