EVYS Orchestras
The East Valley Youth Symphony proudly supports two string orchestras, one full orchestra, and a Preparatory Winds Ensemble, providing a structured pathway for young musicians to grow in skill and confidence. Each ensemble is carefully designed to meet students where they are in their musical journey, offering appropriate levels of challenge and artistry. Placement is determined through auditions and prior experience, ensuring that every musician is both supported and inspired. From beginners just discovering ensemble playing to advanced students preparing for collegiate and professional opportunities, EVYS creates an encouraging environment where young talent can flourish, friendships can form, and a lifelong love of music can thrive.
Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra is a dedicated strings-only ensemble designed to build a strong musical foundation for young violin, viola, cello, and bass players. This group focuses on developing ensemble skills, improving technique, and nurturing the confidence needed to perform as part of a larger orchestra. Most members are elementary and junior high students who are ready to grow beyond private lessons or school orchestra. Concert Orchestra currently has openings for violas and basses in addition to violins and cellos, and welcomes all aspiring string players who are eager to learn, collaborate, and make music together.
Audition Information
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is a strings-only ensemble designed for intermediate musicians who are ready to take the next step in their orchestral journey. This group provides a rich training ground for developing musical expression, ensemble playing, and technical skills, while preparing students for more advanced repertoire. Most members are junior high and high school students eager to refine their craft in a supportive, collaborative setting. Chamber Orchestra welcomes all dedicated string musicians who are excited to grow as performers.
Audition Information
Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra is the most advanced orchestra and incorporates strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion for a full symphonic sound. This orchestra is aimed at high school level players. Symphony Orchestra needs additional Winds, Brass and Percussion (specifically 2 Flutes, 1 Oboe, 2 Bassoons, 3 French Horns, 3 to 4 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba, 2 Percussionists) and also strings, especially a Bass player.
Audition Information
Preparatory Winds Ensemble
Preparatory Winds Ensemble is designed for beginning and developing woodwind, brass, and percussion players who are ready to experience the excitement of playing in a group. This ensemble focuses on building strong fundamentals, ensemble skills, and confidence, preparing students for future participation in full orchestras. Most members are elementary and junior high students who have at least one year of playing experience and are eager to grow in a supportive, encouraging environment. Preparatory Winds Ensemble welcomes all young musicians who want to strengthen their skills while enjoying the fun of making music together.
The Preparatory Winds Ensemble is designed to:
- Prepare musicians for membership into Symphony through the study and playing of excerpts and listening examples.
- Explore and answer “What is the role of a wind player in the Symphony through skill level and musicality. How can a wind player best play their role in service of the music.”
- Instill and continue to develop fundamental skills within individual’s playing to encompass orchestral tone quality, projection, air flow and theory knowledge of their instrument.
- Performance opportunities may include Lobby music for the organization’s scheduled concerts, performance at the Play-a-thon, sitting in on occasional rehearsals with the Symphony to give experience for the ensemble goals.
Audition Information
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