(ages 8-12)
Beginning Musicianship
Artistic Director and Conductor, Anne Lerner
Director of Education & Community Engagement, Andrei Gorchov
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. See Overture YouTube Playlist.
Performances are on the same programs as Crescendo, in December and in May.
Eligibility guidelines for Overture are:
- Completion of at least one year of study on violin, viola, cello or bass with a private teacher and/or in a school music program
- Proficiency in reading rhythmic values from whole to eighth notes and rests
- A basic understanding of accidentals and key signatures and their effects on fingerings
- Some knowledge of shifting is helpful but not necessary
Are you interested in becoming a member of one of our youth orchestras?
Youth ensemble annual auditions occur each September, with an option to audition mid-year in January.
See our Audition Requirements.
Rehearsals:
Sundays, 11:30am – 12:45pm, College of Marin Performing Arts Building, Kentfield
Requirements: Participant ranges is generally from grade 3 – 6. Students must be involved in a school music program and/or study privately with a teacher.
For auditions, please prepare major and melodic minor scales, arpeggios, and a representative solo work from your teacher. You will also be requested to play an orchestral excerpt from those provided prior to the audition.
Additional Benefits: Members of the Overture String Ensemble are granted free admission to all Marin Symphony concerts in Marin Center (Marin Symphony Holiday Concerts and Prelude Recitals excluded). They also receive family member discounts entitling the purchase of two Marin Symphony concert tickets for the price of one.
Tuition for both semesters is $700 per student, payable in full by the first rehearsal. Note that payment by credit card will incur additional processing fees.
Membership in the Overture String Ensemble is by audition only.
Click here to meet Marin Symphony Youth Programs Staff
Questions? Need more information? Contact Andrei Gorchov, Director of Education at 415.479.8105 or youth@marinsymphony.org.
Marin Symphony Youth Programs
c/o The Marin Symphony
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite 409c
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 415.479.8105