Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Ensembles
SVYS sponsors several orchestras and smaller ensemble groups. Membership is determined by the Music Director after conducting the annual auditions.
The Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra is the advanced ensemble. Symphony Orchestra musicians should have experience playing scales and repertoire in all keys. Woodwind and brass players must demonstrate advanced accuracy of scales, clef reading, and transpositions, where applicable. String players should be proficient in all scales through at least three octaves and play fluently through at least fifth position. They must also demonstrate advanced bowing skills and clef-reading ability, where applicable. Percussionists with a piano background are preferred; students must demonstrate snare and mallet techniques.
The Concert Orchestra
The Concert Orchestra is the intermediate ensemble. Concert Orchestra musicians should have experience playing scales and repertoire in keys through four sharps and flats. Woodwind and brass players must display an intermediate level of proficiency in range and rhythmic complexity, as well as finger, breath and embouchure control. String players must be able to play in third to at least fifth position, as well as demonstrate vibrato and a variety of bow articulations.
The Preparatory Orchestra
The Preparatory Orchestra is the entry-level ensemble providing beginning level musicians an opportunity to develop performance skills and experience group participation. Preparatory Orchestra members should have experience playing scales and repertoire in keys through three sharps and flats. Woodwind and brass players will be required to know the chromatic scale with a variety of articulations. String players in these groups will mainly work in first position but occasionally beyond.
The Starter Strings Programs
The SVYS Starter Strings programs were formed by groups of parents, educators, and the SVYS Music Director to return basic string instrument instruction to the local school system. This one-year program provides an introduction to violin, viola, cello, and double bass, and gives the students an opportunity to perform with the Youth Symphony at some of its concerts. We hope that, after completing the program, the students will study privately and soon join the SVYS Preparatory Orchestra. SVYS has expanded the program from its beginning at Farmingdale Elementary School into other Springfield area schools, and has set a high priority on its continued growth.
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