Supportive rehearsals challenge students to develop professionalism, and lead to musically sensitive, mature performances of challenging student string literature. This orchestra facilitates the musical and technical transition to the full symphony.

Youth Orchestra Program

The AA-SPA Youth Orchestra Program offers a comprehensive sequence of developmental ensembles that prepare young musicians for membership in advanced high school orchestras. The goal of that program is to nurture musicianship and foster in orchestral playing.

Highlights

• A dedicated, enthusiastic and highly accomplished team of teachers
• Three orchestra levels with a pre-reading preparatory ensemble class
• Two annual performances at the historic Michigan Theatre
• Instrument enrichment classes with local, professional musicians
• A retreat to foster skills and build “esprit de corps”
• A lifetime of musical and personal memories

Audition Eligibility
The AA-SPA Youth Orchestra Program welcomes students who meet these eligibility criteria:
• Violin, viola, cello, and double bass students in grades 2-10 with at least one year of experience on their instrument
• To maintain eligibility for AA-SPA Youth Orchestra Program membership, students must concurrently participate in their school music program if one is offered.
• Students are not required but are strongly encouraged to take private lessons to help master their orchestra music and guide their overall musical development.

Audition Requirements
Strings:
1) D, G, and C major scales in the number of octaves (1, 2, or 3) that represents your current level of playing, played forte in quarter notes at quarter note = 60
2) A prepared solo (without accompaniment) of your choice that represents your current level of playing. Maximum length 5 minutes. If your solo piece is longer than 5 minutes, please choose an excerpt from the solo to play.
3) Sight reading - You will be given one or two short sight reading passages suitable to the level of development you display in your prepared materials.

Audition Placement
Qualified students will be offered placement in the appropriate ensemble based on the skills and experience level demonstrated in the audition. The audition committee will strive to offer every student a placement that will promise a challenging and appropriate experience in the program.

All musicians auditioning must sign up with the AA-SPA office prior to the auditions by calling (734) 213-2000.

Rehearsal and Performance Calendar

All orchestras rehearse weekly on Mondays at Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Rehearsals for all orchestras begin on Monday, September 24. The weekly schedule is as follows:

Junior String Orchestra:   5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sterling String Orchestra:  5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Youth Symphony Orchestra:  7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Other Important Dates:
October 14 – Fall retreat Clague Middle School
December 8 – Dress rehearsal at Michigan Theater
December 9 – Performance at Michigan Theater
May 10 – Dress rehearsal at Michigan Theater
May 11 – Performance at Michigan Theater

A complete calendar with specific information for each orchestra will be mailed with the audition results.
 

Retreat

Youth Orchestra Program students will take part in an all-day retreat held at Clague Middle School. Students participate in rehearsals, sectionals, team-building and enrichment activities. It is a wonderful time to build relationships, bond and have fun together!

School Participation Policy

AA-SPA programs exist to enrich and support school music programs. Unless an appropriate music class is not offered, AA-SPA school aged students are expected to enroll in an ensemble or music class at their academic school. Music teachers at each school will be informed of their students enrollment in ensembles at AA-SPA.