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Youth Orchestra Program

From its beginnings in 1966 with the Kitchener-Waterloo Junior Symphony, the KWS Youth Orchestra Program (YOP) has grown into a nationally recognized orchestral training program for young musicians. Today, the YOP consists of four orchestras in progressive levels: Preludium Strings (introductory ensemble), Youth Strings (junior ensemble), Youth Sinfonia (intermediate strings) and the Youth Orchestra (senior level, full orchestra). In addition, the YOP includes a large concert band, the Youth Concert Band, and runs a comprehensive Chamber Music Program under the tutelage of KWS string players, including members of the Bremen String Quartet.
The KWS Youth Orchestra Program offers weekly rehearsals, sectionals coached by KWS musicians, retreats, chamber music training, specialized sessions with guest coaches, community outreach performances, side-by-side performances with other YOP ensembles and with the KWS, concerts by all large ensembles and chamber music ensembles, collaborates with other performing arts organizations, and three major concerts per season in Raffi Armenian Theatre of The Centre in the Square. The KWS YOP also provides musical field trip, “Youth Orchestra Night @ the KW Symphony”, a concerto competition, and music workshops.

Click here for more details about each concert program and to order tickets.
The KWS Youth Orchestra Program invites you to our three major concerts of the 2012-13 season: Nov 30, 2013,  Feb 22, 2014 and May 3, 2014.
All three concerts are held in the Raffi Armenian Theatre of The Centre In The Square.  All concerts begin at 2:00 pm. The General Admission Subscriptions to all 3 concerts are priced at $34 for Adults, $28 for Child, and $105 Family Subscription (4 people). Call our patron services office at 519.745.4711 or order online.
The YOP ensembles also perform at community outreach events throughout the year.

The 2013-14 Application Form is HERE!
NEW: auditions will be held in late spring, 2013. Please see the dates and locations details under the particular ensemble, below. There may also be a set of late auditions for all ensembles in September after Labour Day (contact us for details). All KWS Youth Orchestra Program candidates need to complete and submit an application form that will be available on this webpage. Returning members of Youth Strings and Youth Sinfonia are not required to re-audition but are requested to prepare the selected excerpts for seating placement. New candidates for the Youth Strings and Youth Sinfonia can audition this spring. There is a brief entrance playing session for candidates for the entry-level string ensemble, Preludium Strings. All Youth Orchestra and Youth Concert Band candidates (returning and new) must audition in the spring.

Entry Level String Ensemble
Provides an introduction to orchestral performance for string players reading and playing at or above Grade 1 RCM (late pieces) or Suzuki Book I (late pieces). Please note that music-reading is a requirement. The provided RCM / Suzuki playing levels are suggested guidelines only.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:15 to 6:15 pm; September through April, Conrad Centre for the Performing  Arts, 36 King St W, Kitchener
Conductor:  Ella Weber
Audition Requirements:
Qualified candidates are required to submit an application form HERE. There will be a "mini audition" for all new Preludium Strings candidates. Excerpts will be available in advance for pick up at the Conrad Centre (inside the main doors) or by email: bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca.

All returning Preludium Strings can attend the first rehearsal in September without audition.

Audition Date for New Members: Thursday, June 6, 5-6:30 pm, Conrad Centre
Fee:
Fees for 2012-13 are $310. Half of the fee may be in the form of a postdated cheque for January 15, 2013. There will be online payment options soon, or cheques made payable to KW Symphony. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $60 discount off a regular registration fee.

Bursaries:

The KWS is offering partial and full bursaries to families demonstrating need. A simple application form will be online soon.

Intermediate Level String Ensemble
Provides orchestral performance instruction for string players with some ensemble experience, reading and playing at or above Grade 3 RCM or Suzuki Book III. The provided RCM / Suzuki playing levels are suggested guidelines only.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:00 pm. September through April, Conrad Centre for the Performing  Arts, 36 King St W, Kitchener
Conductor: Angela Cox-Daly
Audition Requirements:
Qualified candidates are required to submit an application form HERE. Excerpts are available now for pick up at the Conrad Centre (inside the main doors) or by email: bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca. Auditions will be held at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. Returning Youth Strings members will prepare the same excerpts for a section seating placement audition.

Auditions:

Tuesday, June 4, 4:30 – 6 pm (new candidates), 6 – 7 pm (section seating placement for returning), Conrad Centre
Fee:
Fees for 2012-13 are $410. Half of the fee may be in the form of a postdated cheque for January 15, 2013. There will be online payment options soon, or cheques made payable to KW Symphony. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $60 discount off a regular registration fee.

Bursaries:

The KWS is offering partial and full bursaries to families demonstrating need. A simple application form will be online soon.

Advanced Level String Ensemble
Provides instruction for string players with some ensemble experience playing at or above Grade 6 RCM or Suzuki Book V. The provided RCM / Suzuki playing levels are suggested guidelines only.
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, September through April, Conrad Centre for the Performing  Arts, 36 King St W Kitchener
Conductor: Allene Chomyn
Audition Requirements:
Qualified candidates are required to submit an application form (download HERE). Excerpts are available now for pick up at the Conrad Centre (inside the main doors) or by email: bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca.
Auditions for new candidates will be held at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts.  The YOP Coordinator will contact you with an audition time after the application has been received.
Returning Sinfonia members will prepare the same excerpts for a section seating placement audition.

Auditions:

Tuesday, May 28, 4:30 – 6 pm  (new candidates), 6 – 7 pm (section seating placement for returning), Conrad Centre
Fee:
Fees for 2012-13 are $410. Half of the fee may be in the form of a postdated cheque for January 15, 2013. There will be online payment options soon, or cheques made payable to KW Symphony. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $60 discount off a regular registration fee.

Bursaries:

The KWS is offering partial and full bursaries to families demonstrating need. A simple application form will be online soon.

Youth Orchestra (KWSYO)

Advanced Level Full Symphony Orchestra
Provides the thrilling experience of rehearsing and performing a wide variety of symphonic masterpieces. In addition to the weekly rehearsals, sectionals coached by KWS musicians, retreats, specialized sessions with guest coaches, community outreach performances, side-by-side performances with other YOP ensembles and with the KW Symphony, chamber music concerts and full orchestral performances, Youth Orchestra members will have an opportunity to compete in the annual Concerto Competition. Applicants should play at or above Grade 8 RCM or Suzuki Book VII (Strings). The provided RCM / Suzuki playing levels are suggested guidelines only.
Rehearsals:
Sundays, 1:00 to 3:30 pm, September through April, Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Music.
Conductor: Evan Mitchell
Audition Requirements:
Qualified candidates are required to submit an application form (download HERE). Excerpts are available now for pick up at the Conrad Centre (inside the main doors) or by email: bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca.
Auditions for new and returning candidates will be held at the Conrad Centre as follows:

• Youth Orchestra Strings, Monday, May 27, 4 – 7 pm and  Wednesday, June 5, 4-7 pm, Conrad Centre

• YO Winds/Brass/Percussion, Friday, May 31, 4:30 – 6:30 pm and Saturday, June 1, 10 am – 3 pm, WLU Faculty of Music

The YOP Coordinator will contact you with an audition time after the application has been received.
Fee:
Fees for 2012-13 are $460. Half of the fee may be in the form of a postdated cheque for January 15, 2013. There will be online payment options soon, or cheques made payable to KW Symphony. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $60 discount off a regular registration fee.

Bursaries:

The KWS is offering partial and full bursaries to families demonstrating need. A simple application form will be online soon.

Intermediate to Advanced Level Concert Band
This ensemble was launched in 2012-13 with great success! The Youth Concert Band combines winds, brass and percussion under the direction of our resident band expert, Trevor Wagler. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of playing experience on their instrument. Candidates may audition for the Youth Concert Band exclusively or also audition for Youth Orchestra.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals take place on Sundays, 3:30 - 5:00 pm, September through April,  Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Music (Aird Centre), Room 318.
Conductor: Trevor Wagler
Audition Requirements:
Qualified candidates are required to submit an application form HERE. The following are required for the auditions:

• play a scale that demonstrates the lowest and highest notes you can produce, in any articulation of your choosing, at a moderate tempo
• play one short piece (or excerpt of a longer work of your choosing) that represents your current level
• play some short excerpts for your instrument (please email bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca for the excerpts)

If you audition for the Youth Orchestra, you will not need to re-audition for the Youth Concert Band. No accompanists are permitted for the auditions.

Audition Dates:

Friday, May 31, 4:30 – 6:30 pm and Saturday, June 1, 10 am – 3 pm, WLU Faculty of Music

The YOP Coordinator will contact you with an audition time after the application has been received.
Fee:
Fees for 2012-13 are $310. Half of the fee may be in the form of a postdated cheque for January 15, 2013. There will be online payment options soon, or cheques made payable to KW Symphony. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $60 discount off a regular registration fee.

Bursaries:

The KWS is offering partial and full bursaries to families demonstrating need. A simple application form will be online soon.

Available For Youth Strings, Youth Sinfonia and Youth Orchestra string players
The YOP Chamber Music Program (CMP) provides chamber music instruction for all instrumentalists. Existing and new groups are welcome, as well as individual candidates who based on availability will be organized in ensembles (trios, quartets, etc.).
Training is provided by the distinguished members of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, including members of the Bremen String Quartet (bremenstringquartet.com), who provide instruction focusing on leadership and abilities to follow, teamwork and active listening. The exploration of a wide range of chamber music repertoire is encouraged.  This program provides a fun and challenging way to create music, hone skills and expand performance opportunities.
The CMP concert will be scheduled towards the end of the season; other opportunities will include outreach events and CITS lobby performances.

Fee:
$15 per participant, per hour-long coaching session. Cheques payable to KW Symphony (submitted at the commencement of this program; the number of sessions TBD).

The KWS offers bursaries to offset the cost of registration fees based on financial need. Please download and complete the form (available soon) and return it by email to csharpe@rogers.com or by mail:

Chris Sharpe

Director of Education

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

36 King St. W.

Kitchener ON N2G 1A3

The KWS Volunteer Committee distributes thousands of dollars in awards and scholarships to deserving members of the five YOP ensembles and Chamber Music Program participants at the end of the season.

Click here to learn more about the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Volunteer Committee Scholarships for Youth Orchestra.

Barb Kaplanek
Youth Orchestra Program Coordinator
Phone: 519.745.4711, x 390
Fax: 519.745.4474
Email: bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca