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Youth Programs

Connecting our communities to the future of live music

Performing ensembles

Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra Since 1954, the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra, currently under the direction of Ann Krinitsky, has provided musicians ages 13-18 with the opportunity to participate in a rich and rewarding orchestral community. The September-to-May orchestral season offers a range of performances and experiences. The orchestra is composed of approximately 80 auditioned high school and middle school musicians from Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco. Recent performances of standard orchestral repertoire include: Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, Smetana’s The Moldau, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances No.’s 1, 5, & 6, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture in a special side-by-side performance with the Marin Symphony Orchestra. Other opportunities inlcude:

An exclusive recording project at Skywalker Sound in Nicasio
On-stage sit-ins with orchestral sections during Marin Symphony rehearsals
Coaching sessions from Marin Symphony players
Rehearsals conducted by Marin Symphony maestro Alasdair Neale

Marin Symphony Crescendo Orchestra Conducted by Anne Lerner, the Marin Symphony Crescendo Program offers the opportunity for young musicians to learn standard orchestral ensemble techniques and develop their musicianship in a friendly and instructive environment. The Crescendo Orchestra is a full orchestral ensemble with combined strings, winds, brass, and percussion. The September-to-May season includes a winter and spring concert and a special visit to Skywalker Sound in Nicasio for an exclusive recording session. The performance repertoire includes arranged and original classical symphonic works chosen to expose players to the various style periods, from the Baroque to contemporary.

Marin Symphony Overture String Ensemble Marin Symphony Youth Programs is pleased to announce the expansion of its youth orchestra program with the creation of Marin Symphony Overture, an introductory level orchestra for string players. Led by Crescendo conductor, Anne Lerner, students in Overture will be introduced to the skills necessary for successful and fulfilling orchestral playing, including how to follow a conductor, listen to and blend with other players, mark one’s music in rehearsal and develop a good working relationship with a stand partner. Specific attention will be given to matching bowings and bowing styles. Deciphering the logic of printed music as a way to improve sight-reading will be presented through exercises and games dealing with rhythmic and melodic patterns.

Benefits of msyp training

Our Marin Symphony Youth and Education Programs include common elements that we believe are essential to developing musicianship on any instrument:

Refining manuscript reading skills, which include accurate note recognition, rhythm and dynamics interpretation, and tonal key recognition
Learning the technical craft of producing a beautiful tone on one’s chosen instrument
Gaining exposure to the classical music repertoire
Developing the self-discipline to maintain a steady, independent music practice
Becoming facile with auditions through experience
Learning how to work and blend in groups
Becoming adept at performance