Ensembles

Photo courtesy of John Rudoff, MD

OVERTURE STRINGS is a string-only orchestra for musicians with at least one year of training - either in private lessons or in a school program. This group emphasizes the fundamentals of music including note reading, harmony, following a conductor, recognition of music symbols and basic music theory. Musicians will be introduced to shifting and vibrato. Playing skills will improve with emphasis on posture, new fingering patterns and bowing skills, simple and complex rhythms, tempos, dynamic contrast, shifting and vibrato. The players will primarily be expected to read music up to two sharps. Overture performs three concerts a year.

INTERLUDE ORCHESTRTA musicians will be reading music in the keys up to three sharps. They should have good tone, good intonation and good rhythm skills, plus the ablity to read music. Musicians should be able to respond to changes in dynamics, tempo, and meter. Rhythms will include triplets, 16th notes, and dotted rhythms. Interlude performs three concerts a year and takes a day tour in the spring.

Specific skills for joining INTERLUDE:
• Must have all skills required for lower group, AND
• The ability to concentrate at least 2 hours.
• Woodwinds & Brass: Have good tone and articulation and perform at Concert Band level.

VIVALDI STRINGS is a relatively small strings only chamber orchestra, designed to prepare string players for the advanced playing that is expected in the Concert Orchestra. Players must have strong skills in sight-reading, vibrato, tuning their own instrument, intonation and rhythm. Previous orchestra experience is recommended. Vivaldi Strings performs three concerts a year plus additional outreach performances.

Specific skills for joining VIVALDI STRINGS:
• Must have all skills required for lower groups, AND
• Ability to play in positions one through three.

Photo courtesy of John Rudoff, MD

CONCERT ORCHESTRA performs challenging unabridged pieces from the standard orchestral repertoire in many keys. All Concert Orchestra members must show a high proficiency in their playing and be able to demonstrate the full range of abilities for their instrument. Appropriate instruments should be comfortable transposing and playing in multiple clefs. The woodwinds and brass must perform at Symphonic Band level. Concert Orchestra performs three concerts a year, plus additional mini-tours, run-outs, in-school concerts for children and the Viennese Ball.

Specific skills for joining Concert Orchestra:
• Must have all skills required for lower groups, AND
• Violists must be able to play in treble clef.
• Cellists must be able to play in tenor clef.
• Flute players may be asked to play piccolo.*
• Clarinet players should have access to an A Clarinet. *
• Oboe players may be asked to play English Horn.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA is reserved for highly advanced players that exhibit advanced musical and technical abilities. This orchestra requires a high level of self-discipline as well as musical skills. Private lessons are required. Symphony performs masterpieces from the standard orchestral repertoire and the great choral works to a highly proficient level. Symphony Orchestra performs three times each season at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, plus additional mini-tours, outreach concerts and international tours.

Must have all skills required for lower groups, AND
• Flute players may be asked to play piccolo.*
• Clarinet players should have access to an A Clarinet. *
• Oboe players may be asked to play English Horn.*

*MYS owns one piccolo, one English Horn, and several A clarinets that may be available for loan, however serious students should eventually consider purchasing their own.

MYSfits STRING ENSEMBLE members are outreach ambassadors for the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. These dedicated young musicians enjoy playing and performing chamber music in and around the Portland area. MYSfits is for current MYS musicians who enjoy a small chamber group setting and wish to expand to their musical experience and repertoire. New members are auditioned as openings are available. More info.

SOUSA BAND helps young musicians develop a fundamental knowledge of music and playing skills. This ensemble is particularly appropriate for students with at least one year experience and either taking private lessons or beginning private lessons. It is also a good venue for students in a home school program. The performers will be expected to play in key signatures using up to three flats and one sharp. Prepares players for the skills that are expected in Concert Band. Sousa Band performs three concerts each year.

CONCERT BAND musicians should have at least two years playing experience and be able to play in keys up to four flats and two sharps. The music rehearsed and performed by Concert Band will generally be in the grade III through grade IV degree of difficulty. Players that meet the requirements will be selected from Concert Band to play in Interlude Orchestra as well. Concert Band performs three concerts a year.

SYMPHONIC BAND is the premier wind ensemble of the MYS organization. The Symphonic Band plays advanced level wind repertoire and requires the players to have excellent skills in all areas of their instruments. Private lessons are required. Those players that meet the requirements will be selected from Symphonic Band to play in the Concert and Symphony Orchestras. Symphonic Band performs three concerts each season at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, plus additional mini-tours, outreach concerts and international tours.

JAZZ I & II are both comprised of a limited number of musicians. As such, auditions are competitive.

FLUTE CHOIR gives flutists the opportunity to play most of the flutes in the flute family (C, piccolo, alto, and bass) while exploring music of all types and improving their flute and ensemble skills. The Choir performs at least once each term, either on MYS concerts or for special outreach events, and usually goes on a one-day tour. Space is limited.

The Metropolitan Youth Symphony develops, educates, and promotes young musicians.

Jump to Top