Updates on UVMC's COVID-19 response, including tuition assistance due to income loss. Details

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Youth Ensembles

From your first notes to advanced ensemble playing, there’s a spot in the orchestra for you.

Introduce your young musician to the joys of making music as an ensemble.

youth ensemble with flute and violin
youth orchestra

Our traditional youth ensemble program is on hiatus this year due to COVID-19. Please stay tuned for in-person play-in sessions which will be scheduled for early fall.

Are you looking to develop ensemble skills while rehearsals are not possible? UVMC offers music theory classes, and we have developed special new performance and sight reading classes to keep your skills sharp while at home!

Theory Classes Performance & Ensemble Skills

At each ensemble level, students tackle new skills in making music together – from reading notes and finding rehearsal letters, to communicating across the ensemble, blending sound and matching articulations. At advanced levels students work with guest clinicians in sectionals and master classes and have the option to add chamber music and theory classes. A teacher recommendation and/or placement audition is required for all ensembles. For information on placement, please read course descriptions or contact chambermusic@uvmusic.org.

Students enrolled in a full term of lessons at UVMC receive a 50% discount on beginner orchestras (Orchestra Explorers and Synfonia).

Youth Ensemble Programs

orchestra students

Youth Ensemble Play-Ins

Fridays, 4:15-5:15 pm
October 2-30
Upper Valley Music Center

Play along with your musical friends with in-person sessions for beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate orchestra players.

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young students perform in an orchestra

Orchestra Explorers

No fall class; In-person Play-ins October 9 & 30

Orchestra Explorers is for string students who are just starting to read music, designed as a supplement to their lesson note reading in a group setting.

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young chamber ensemble performing on violin and cello

Sinfonia

No fall class; In-person Play-ins October 2 & 23

Students will learn how to play in a section, holding their own on a part that is rhythmically & melodically different than other parts of the ensemble.

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Four teenage violinists developing ensemble skills

Advanced Performance String Ensemble

Wednesdays 6:45-8 pm
Spring: February 3-June 3
Fall: September 16 - January 20
Online via Zoom

For advanced violin, viola, cello, and bass students ages 11 and up with a high level of commitment, APSE offers a chance to develop ensemble and solo skills at a high level.

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Mark Nelson conducts yough ensemble performance

Vivace Orchestra

No fall class; In-person play-in October 16
Lebanon High School

Students 8 and up will learn to create dynamic contrasts, shape phrases, understand how different parts work together to create the whole piece, and how to build a group sound.

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