The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras is the premier musical destinations for aspiring young musicians in the Northern Virginia area. TCSYO's Symphonic Orchestra separates itself from other Youth Orchestras in the Washington D.C. area through their unique rehearsal configuration. The Symphonic Orchestra is leading this area's area performance program, nurturing and inspiring young artists in grades 7 through 12. TCSYO provides members with a high quality and innovative artistic experience and strives to encourage musical and personal growth through the art of performance.
It alternates weeks of intense sectionals during the first half of the rehearsal, at which time the woodwinds, brass and percussion sections work with TCSYO Artistic Specialists. Not only will the artistic specialists teach the orchestral material, they will also form small chamber ensembles, teaching their students the intricacy of ensemble playing. The strings students benefit from these sessions as well working with Violinist/Conductor Dr. Cheri Collins on ensemble playing techniques, left-hand fluency, and right-hand music making, giving students the opportunity to achieve a high level of musicianship over the shortest period of time.
Photograph by:M. Czuczor...
TCSYO Symphonic Orchestra performs at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, January 12, 2020
Our distinct focus is on student learning, giving our musicians a commanding perception of orchestral ensemble playing; an essential element of musicianship.
Below is the Unique Two Week Rehearsal Rotation Schedule
for the 2021-22 Symphonic Orchestra Season:
Week One:
- Dr. Cheri Collins, TCSYO Artistic Musical Director/Conductor works with the Full Symphonic Orchestra from 7:00 – 9:30 PM
- Mr. Jacob Harpster, Director of TCSYO’ Percussion Ensemble, will rotate students in and out of the full orchestra, giving each percussion student the opportunity to master techniques on all the instruments.
Week Two:
- Dr. Cheri Collins, TCSYO Artistic Musical Director/Conductor will work with the string sections during the first half of the rehearsal. Dr. Collins expertise on the violin, her knowledge of all the string instruments, and her in-depth study of tone production gives students the unmatched opportunity for learning and music making on their instrument.
- ensemble playing techniques
- left-hand fluency
- right-hand music making
- Mr. Jacob Harpster, Director of Percussion will work with his percussion students, learning advanced techniques devoted exclusively to the sonic and expressive possibilities of percussion instruments during the first half of the rehearsal.
- Mr. Kenneth Lee, Director of Woodwinds will work with the woodwind section during the first half of the rehearsal.
- Mr. Dave Detwiler, Director of Brass will work with the brass section during the first half of the rehearsal.
Photograph by:M. Czuczor............................
Bill Wielgus, oboist with the NSO, works with the woodwind section on May 8, 2017 |
Photograph by:M. Czuczor ...........
Jim Bittner, trumpet player, works with the brass section on May 8, 2017 |
Members of the Symphonic Orchestra range in age from 14 to 18 and are chosen through competitive auditions held each spring. Though the majority of students fit into these age groups, upon request, exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Board of Directors, with consultation with Artistic Music Director/Conductor Dr. Cheri Collins.
*The percussion ensembles will have the opportunity to perform at TCSYO’ Season Concerts.
Auditions are required and will be scheduled after registration is received. |
Orchestras