Youth Programs
Youth Orchestra Program
In 1995 a youth symphony program was founded to develop audiences and serve student musicians in the seventy-five mile area around Grand Forks. Since then, the Youth Symphony has expanded to include a Junior Symphony for middle school strings musicians, and two Chamber Music programs. Divertimento, from September until May, and Summer Strings in August.
FALL 2010 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
The Youth Orchestra Program once again welcomes regional musicians to audition for Youth Symphony, Junior Symphony, Sinfonietta, and the Divertimento Chamber Music Program. All continuing musicians are guaranteed placement with the ensemble in which they played last spring. New students will be assigned to one of three ensembles based on audition performance:
Level 1 – Sinfonietta – An introductory String Orchestra, Conductor: Ms. Ligia Feo
Level II – Junior Symphony – An Intermediate Strings Orchestra, Conductor: Mr. Valdin Buchmeier
Level III – Youth Symphony – An Advanced Student Symphonic Orchestra, Conductor: Dr. Alejandro Drago
Divertimento Chamber Music Program – An Intermediate and Advanced Program in Chamber Music Performance, Director: Ms. Naomi Welsh
AUDITION INFORMATION
NOTE: Level I & II are strings ensembles. All violin, viola, cello and bass players are welcome to audition.
Level III includes all symphonic instruments. All brass, woodwind, percussion and strings musicians are welcome to audition.
Audition Dates: Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12
Call 701-777-3359 to reserve a time or schedule online.
COMMITMENT
Attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals and performance unless prior arrangements are made with the ensemble conductor. Music will be provided at the first rehearsal. Conductors will discuss practice expectations at the first rehearsal.
Rehearsals: Eight consecutive Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 (Sinfonietta and Junior Symphony) and from 6:30-8:30 (Youth Symphony), beginning Monday, September 27th. All ensembles rehearse at Hughes Fine Arts Center at UND Department of Music.
Dress rehearsal: Saturday, November, 20, 9-12 (Ensemble times vary)
Performance: Sunday, November 21st at 3 pm
TUITION
Sinfonietta: $65
Junior Symphony: $75
Youth Symphony: $85
Divertimento: $65
Tuition is due at the time of registration either at Auditions or on the night of the first rehearsal. Tuition includes one ticket to the recital. Additional tickets may be purchased for $10 at www.ggfso.org after October 15th. Scholarship assistance is available. Please inquire at 701-777-3359.
REHEARSAL REFRESHMENTS
Parents and musicians who would like to help with juice or snacks during rehearsal may email Cindy Peterson at imsocindy@yahoo.com to schedule a time.
Alejandro Drago, Youth Symphony Conductor
701-777-2837/Alejandro.Drago@und.edu
Val Buchmeier, Junior Symphony Conductor
218-281-2286/Home, 218-281-2144/School, vbuchmeier@crookston.k12.mn.us