Worcester Youth String Ensembles Program
New For 2025 - 2026
We are excited to announce new offerings for the WYO String Ensemble Program based on community and teacher feedback. The String Ensemble Program is an excellent way for developing string players to strengthen individual and ensemble technique. The program has two levels of orchestra which allows time to focus on their skills as emerging violinists, violists, cellists and bassists. Both groups will play ensemble repertoire and have their own performances, including side-by-sides with the Philharmonic.
We are excited to announce new offerings for the WYO String Ensemble Program based on community and teacher feedback. The String Ensemble Program is an excellent way for developing string players to strengthen individual and ensemble technique. The program has two levels of orchestra which allows time to focus on their skills as emerging violinists, violists, cellists and bassists. Both groups will play ensemble repertoire and have their own performances, including side-by-sides with the Philharmonic.
Sinfonia Strings (Students who have been playing 2 or more years)
This upper level string orchestra serves students who have been taking lessons for more than 2 years and have learned quarter, eighth, half and whole notes. We recommend students have a knowledge of D & G major one octave scales, C major for violin and C major two octave for viola and cello. It is designed to help develop ensemble technique such as learning to follow a conductor, tune with other instruments and build sight reading confidence. Sinfonia String members have the added benefit of being mentored once a month by Philharmonic String players. Many students start in Sinfonia Strings before auditioning for the Philharmonic.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, 1:30pm to 2:30pm, Trinity Lutheran, Worcester (Timing subject to change, but Sunday afternoons)
2-3 performances
Prelude Strings (Students who have been playing 1 to 2 years)
An introductory ensemble designed as a group class to help build confidence on a string instrument and nurture basic fundamentals and technique. The ensemble best serves students that have been taking lessons for a year and can read quarter and half note examples, and have learned the D-Major scale. This class is designed to complement private and/or in school class instruction. This ensemble is not designed to replace private instruction and/or school classes. Students must continue to participate in their private and/or school instruction. Students will enjoy playing in an ensemble and the opportunity to sit side-by-side with Sinfonia Strings and the Philharmonic Strings for certain concerts in joint pieces.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, 3:00pm to 4:00pm (with break), Trinity Lutheran, Worcester (Timing subject to change, but Sunday afternoons)
2-3 performances a year.
This upper level string orchestra serves students who have been taking lessons for more than 2 years and have learned quarter, eighth, half and whole notes. We recommend students have a knowledge of D & G major one octave scales, C major for violin and C major two octave for viola and cello. It is designed to help develop ensemble technique such as learning to follow a conductor, tune with other instruments and build sight reading confidence. Sinfonia String members have the added benefit of being mentored once a month by Philharmonic String players. Many students start in Sinfonia Strings before auditioning for the Philharmonic.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, 1:30pm to 2:30pm, Trinity Lutheran, Worcester (Timing subject to change, but Sunday afternoons)
2-3 performances
Prelude Strings (Students who have been playing 1 to 2 years)
An introductory ensemble designed as a group class to help build confidence on a string instrument and nurture basic fundamentals and technique. The ensemble best serves students that have been taking lessons for a year and can read quarter and half note examples, and have learned the D-Major scale. This class is designed to complement private and/or in school class instruction. This ensemble is not designed to replace private instruction and/or school classes. Students must continue to participate in their private and/or school instruction. Students will enjoy playing in an ensemble and the opportunity to sit side-by-side with Sinfonia Strings and the Philharmonic Strings for certain concerts in joint pieces.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, 3:00pm to 4:00pm (with break), Trinity Lutheran, Worcester (Timing subject to change, but Sunday afternoons)
2-3 performances a year.
