The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras (TCSYO)

TCSYO

Sign-up for the 23-24 Season!

Visit this link for additional information: auditions

The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras (TCSYO) provides a place for all student musicians within its five orchestras: Prelude Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. We also offer a Chamber Music Program (quartets) and Percussion Ensemble. Members of the Symphonic Orchestra are also eligible to participate in the annual Concerto Competition.

Microsoft

Dr. Cheri Collins and the Symphonic Orchestra
Microsoft Inspire Convention, Verizon Center in D.C., 2017

Symphonic Orchestra

Conducted by Mrs. Anne Rupert
VBODA Level 6+
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:00-9:30pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School

TCSYO’s most advanced orchestra is comprised of the very best young musicians in the Washington, DC area. Members of the Symphonic Orchestra show strong musicality and advanced technicality, and are capable of the discipline necessary to perform at the highest level. This ensemble is dedicated to performing the finest works in the full symphonic repertoire.

Carnegie Hall

Dr. Cheri Collins and the Symphonic Orchestra
Carnegie Hall, 2019

Chamber Orchestra

Conducted by Mr. Austin Isaac
VBODA Level 5-6
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:00-9:00pm, Katherine Johnson Middle School

Chamber Orchestra offers the opportunity to perform great masterpieces of string repertoire, from the Baroque era to today. Designed for advanced string students with five or more years of experience and play at a level V and above. Musicians are introduced to a variety of bowing techniques and historical styles, while developing more advanced phrasing and expression.

Chamber rehearsal

Dr. Cheri Collins and the Chamber Orchestra
Ernst Community Cultural Center 2022

String Ensemble

Conducted by Mrs. Diana Chou
VBODA Level 4
Rehearsals for the 23/24 season will be: Mondays 7:00-8:45pm, Katherine Johnson Middle School.

String Ensemble is open to students who have had at least four years of private instruction on their instrument or play at Grade Level IV and above. Musicians in String Ensemble develop a higher level of stylistic refinement and expressive detail, while playing a wide variety of repertoire in a nurturing and fun environment. Students should be able to shift to fourth position, have a fluent vibrato and mature tone.

Violin Sectional

Ms. Molly Sgrecci
String Ensemble Violin Sectional, 2022

Concert Orchestra

Conducted by Mr. Austin Isaac
VBODA Level 3
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm, Katherine Johnson Middle School

Concert Orchestra is geared toward students who have had at least three years of private instruction on their instrument or play at Grade Level III and above. Musicians in Concert Orchestra are learning more advanced ensemble skills and expressive detail, while playing a wide variety of repertoire in a nurturing and fun environment. All students should have shifting abilities to third position and have started vibrato.

Prelude Orchestra

Conducted by Mrs. Diana Chou
VBODA Level 1-2
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School

Prelude Orchestra includes a full complement of string instruments playing independent parts. Designed for students who have had limited orchestral experience and who are working on mastering their reading ability. Students should be comfortable playing in first position the keys of G and D. This ensemble builds solid, fundamental rhythmic and orchestral skills including improved sight-reading abilities.

Prelude Orchestra

Mrs. Diana Chou and the Prelude Orchestra
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 2018

Chamber Music

Director Mr. Kenneth Law
Rehearsals: Monday 6:00-7:00pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School

TCSYO's Chamber Music Program is open to members of String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. Chamber music is a form of classical music composed for a small group of musicians, each with their own part to play. Groups rehearse on a weekly basis at Katherine Johnson Middle School one hour prior to the scheduled orchestra rehearsal on Monday evenings.

Quartet

Chamber Musicians performing at an outreach event

Percussion Ensemble

Director Mr. Jacob Harpster
Rehearsals: Monday 7:00-9:30pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School

Percussion Ensemble is an advanced training program providing young percussionists an opportunity to develop their ensemble skills in small groups. Members will learn unique playing styles and experience a variety of instruments- both traditional and nontraditional. Musicians learn how to communicate with each other in a chamber ensemble setting, and have a unique opportunity to perform more difficult music with other advanced percussionists.

Percussion Duet

Percussion Ensemble
Westfield High School, 2022