Youth Orchestra
Established in the fall of 1966 as Kitchener-Waterloo Junior Symphony, the KWS Youth Orchestra Program (YOP) has developed into a fine multi-level orchestral training platform with four ensembles: Preludium Strings (entry level string ensemble), Youth Strings (junior level string ensemble), Youth Sinfonia (intermediate level string ensemble) and the Youth Orchestra (advanced level symphony orchestra). The YOP’s mission is to empower student musicians to discover their ensemble performance potential in a fun, challenging and safe environment. Our leading idea of inclusivity and versatility provides paths for nurturing future music enthusiasts, listeners, as well as professional and community musicians alike.
The KWS YOP season consist of weekly rehearsals (mid-September through April), sectionals coached by KWS musicians, specialized sessions with guest coaches and concert performances in various venues, including the Raffi Armenian Theater of the Centre in the Square. In addition, YOP offers community outreach performances, side-by-side (collaborative) performances among YOP ensembles, side-by-side performances of Youth Orchestra (advanced level symphony orchestra) with the KW Symphony, an annual Concerto Competition for YO members, music-filled trips to hear the KW Symphony.
Barb Kaplanek
Education and Community Programs Manager- Youth Orchestra and Schools
519-745-4711 ext. 390
bkaplanek@kwsymphony.on.ca
Youth Orchestra Program Ensembles
Preludium Strings
Entry Level String Ensemble
Provides orchestral performance instruction for string players with no ensemble experience, reading and playing at or above Grade 1 RCM or it’s equivalent of a Suzuki Book complemented with supplementary materials such as scales and studies.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5:15 – 6:15 pm, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, 36 King St. W, Kitchener.
Conductor: Rossana Paz
2023-24 Season Fee: $390
The fee will increase on October 1, 2023.
The online registration and payment process will begin immediately after the audition for successful candidates. Registration and payment is required upon acceptance to the program. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $50 discount off a regular registration fee.
Youth Strings
Junior Level String Ensemble
Provides orchestral performance instruction for string players with some ensemble experience, reading and playing at or above Grade 3 RCM or it’s equivalent of a Suzuki Book complemented with supplementary materials such as scales and studies.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 pm, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, 36 King St. W, Kitchener
Conductor: Matthew Jones
2023-24 Season Fee: $500.
The fee will increase on October 1, 2023.
The online registration and payment process will begin immediately after the spring audition for successful candidates. Registration and payment is required upon acceptance to the program. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $50 discount off a regular registration fee.
Youth Sinfonia
Intermediate Level String Ensemble
Provides instruction for string players with some ensemble experience playing at or above Grade 6 RCM or it’s equivalent of a Suzuki Book complemented with supplementary materials such as scales, studies, other solos and ideally also orchestral excerpts.
Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30 – 7 pm, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, 36 King St. W, Kitchener
Conductor: Allene Chomyn
2023-24 Season Fee: $500.
The fee will increase on October 1, 2023.
The online registration and payment process will begin immediately after the spring audition for successful candidates. Registration and payment is required upon acceptance to the program. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $50 discount off a regular registration fee.
Youth Orchestra
Advanced Level Symphony Orchestra
Provides the thrilling experience of advanced orchestral practice and performance of various masterworks in para-professional settings. In addition to the weekly rehearsals, sectionals coached by KWS musicians, specialized sessions with guest coaches, community outreach performances, side-by-side performances with other YOP ensembles and with the KW Symphony, 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 it’s equivalent of a Suzuki Book complemented with supplementary materials such as scales, studies, other solos and ideally also orchestral excerpts.
Rehearsals: Sundays, 1:00 to 3:15 pm, September through April, Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Music.
Conductor: Matthew Jones
2023-24 season Fee: $600.
The fee will increase on October 1, 2023.
The online registration and payment process will begin immediately after the spring audition for successful candidates. Registration and payment is required upon acceptance to the program. Each additional YOP member from the same family is entitled to $50 discount off a regular registration fee.