(Ages 13-18)
Advanced Musicianship
Dawn Madole-Nkomonde, Marin Symphony Youth Programs Manager
- Rehearsals:
Sundays, 3:00pm – 6:00pm College of Marin Performing Arts Building, Kentfield - Performances:
Sundays, in late November or early December, and late April or early May
- Candidates must study with a private teacher and have had at least one year of lessons to be considered for placement. (Most members in the orchestra have been playing their instrument for four years or longer.)
- We strongly encourage all of our students to participate in their school music program if one exists that accommodates their instrument.
- Players should be familiar with all rhythmic note and rest values including counting multi-measure rests and familiarity with common and compound time signatures.
- Players should be familiar with mixed articulation and on string instruments, mixed bow strokes (spiccato, martele, detache, etc.).
- Students must have prior group ensemble experience. Students should be comfortable playing their instrument fluently in its full range and in keys up to 6 sharps and flats.
- Students should be able to demonstrate control over dynamics, intonation, advanced articulation, transposition and multiple clefs according to the instrument being played, tone control and vibrato as necessary.
- An exclusive recording project at Skywalker Sound in Nicasio
- Sit-Along Children’s Community Concert
- Concerto Competition
- Orchestra Retreat in the fall
- Fellowship Program
- Coaching sessions from Marin Symphony players
- International Summer Tour (every 3 years)
- Bay Area Youth Orchestra Festival (every 2-3 years)
Additional benefits: Members of the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra are granted free admission to all Marin Symphony concerts (Marin Symphony Holiday Concerts and Chamber Concerts excluded). They also receive family member discounts entitling the purchase of two Marin Symphony concert tickets for the price of one. MSYO members receive mentoring and coaching from members of the Marin Symphony throughout the season.
Small Group Appearances: Members of the Youth Orchestra have the opportunity to participate in small group or individual performances through “busking” before Marin Symphony Masterworks concerts, and at special holiday venues. Other outreach community opportunities may include retirement homes and elementary schools. Part of the funds raised help to finance tours, and benefits like the Skywalker experience and professional coaching.
Membership in the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra is by audition only. Tuition is payable in full by the first rehearsal.
Are you interested in becoming a member of one of our youth orchestras?
- Receive Audition Notifications
- See Audition Requirements, Eligibility, and Tuition here.
Auditions occur every year at the end of the summer with an option to audition mid-year in January to fill open positions. - Meet Marin Symphony Youth Programs Staff
- Questions? Need more information? Contact Dawn Madole-Nkomonde at dawn@marinsymphony.org
Marin Symphony Youth Programs
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite 409C
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: 415.479.8105