Youth Philharmonic
Colleen Chenail, conductor

Youth Philharmonic is a string orchestra for advanced players who have ensemble experience and are ready for more challenging repertoire. Rehearsals focus on bowing techniques, development of vibrato, and general ensemble skills. Youth Philharmonic presents three concerts per year with programs including original string works and contemporary string orchestra arrangements. Tuition is $200 per year, and scholarships are available in cases of financial need.

Prospective Youth Philharmonic members:
- read and play music in keys up to three sharps or three flats.
- play at the level of Suzuki Book Four or higher.
- tune their own instrument.
- shift to at least 3rd position, 5th position for assignment to first violin.
- have begun to learn vibrato.
- have begun to learn a variety of bowing styles.

Audition Requirements

Youth Philharmonic auditions consist of three parts: scale requirement, solo requirement, and sightreading.
Updated 5/23/2023 for Fall 2023 auditions

Scale Requirement: 
Two scales of your choice, one major and one melodic minor, with arpeggios. Violinists who wish to be considered for Violin I should prepare three octaves; all others should prepare two octaves.
Perform scales as eighth notes at quarter note = 60 or faster, either four notes to a bow or Galamian pattern. Scales should show your best tone, intonation, and consistency of tempo.

Solo Requirement: 
A short piece of your choice. For Violin, Viola, or Cello, a piece at the level of Suzuki Book Four or above. For Bass, a short piece at the level of Solo Time for Strings Book 4. Please choose a piece that demonstrates shifting.
Please prepare your selected work (or movement) in its entirety. The conductors may select a two- to three- minute section to hear in the audition.

Sightreading Requirement: 
Please prepare for a short sightreading segment.
Please be prepared to identify elements including time signatures, key signatures, rhythms, pitches, and articulations.