What are the best Youth Orchestra's in the DMV area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

Then it’s not playing up, it playing with others at your same level. DCYOP does this.

The orchestras considered best in the region (MCYO and AYPO) generally do not allow this. For instance, the Philharmonic orchestra at AYPO says that it "Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12". My rising 9th grader violinist has nearly 0% chance of getting into it, although she is auditioning for it anyway.

if she is good they will let her in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

The 10 year olds at mcyo are incredible. They are not playing baa baa black sheep. Redshirting makes no difference in orchestra in high school. As a freshman my kid had no issue getting into the top orchestra.

High school orchestras play at a considerably lower level than youth orchestras. Youth orchestras make playing in their orchestras contingent on also playing in school orchestras, so kids do end up playing both. By and large, the good players at these orchestras are playing music that is considered appropriate/advanced for their age, but not so much that you think they're the next coming of Hilary Hahn. My DD knows similarly aged concertmasters of several orchestras at MCYO and AY, and they are generally kids that play similar repertoire as her about as well as she does. They are good, but not exceptional (where I measure 10 year violinist playing Rondo and Capriccioso as exceptional).

The high school orchestra is pretty disappointing when you compare it to MCYO but most of the kids are doing it for fun or college activities and not a serious level. Using a young chikd as a standard is not comparable. These kids are truly talented.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

Then it’s not playing up, it playing with others at your same level. DCYOP does this.

The orchestras considered best in the region (MCYO and AYPO) generally do not allow this. For instance, the Philharmonic orchestra at AYPO says that it "Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12". My rising 9th grader violinist has nearly 0% chance of getting into it, although she is auditioning for it anyway.

if she is good they will let her in.

It's not that straightforward. A student that has been a part of the organization for years will have a better shot than someone that is brand new to the organization, even if they both have essentially similar skills if they're say on the borderline of the age/grade cutoff. Obviously, a 13 year old playing Pag 1 would probably make it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

Then it’s not playing up, it playing with others at your same level. DCYOP does this.

The orchestras considered best in the region (MCYO and AYPO) generally do not allow this. For instance, the Philharmonic orchestra at AYPO says that it "Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12". My rising 9th grader violinist has nearly 0% chance of getting into it, although she is auditioning for it anyway.

if she is good they will let her in.

It's not that straightforward. A student that has been a part of the organization for years will have a better shot than someone that is brand new to the organization, even if they both have essentially similar skills if they're say on the borderline of the age/grade cutoff. Obviously, a 13 year old playing Pag 1 would probably make it.

This is what we've seen. If there are open spots and others are not ready to move up, then yes, but any kid who's been there and is trying they do support. They probably aren't going to drop a kid to put OP child in except if they are exceptionally better. I cannot imagine OP's child is playing at the philharmonic level, but if they are, maybe MCYO would consider the child. It is better to get them in Symphony and be with their peers. The conductor is great. Depending on the grade, the child might be in Young Artists, which is great too since the child could be 7-8-9th grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

Then it’s not playing up, it playing with others at your same level. DCYOP does this.

The orchestras considered best in the region (MCYO and AYPO) generally do not allow this. For instance, the Philharmonic orchestra at AYPO says that it "Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12". My rising 9th grader violinist has nearly 0% chance of getting into it, although she is auditioning for it anyway.

if she is good they will let her in.

It's not that straightforward. A student that has been a part of the organization for years will have a better shot than someone that is brand new to the organization, even if they both have essentially similar skills if they're say on the borderline of the age/grade cutoff. Obviously, a 13 year old playing Pag 1 would probably make it.

This is what we've seen. If there are open spots and others are not ready to move up, then yes, but any kid who's been there and is trying they do support. They probably aren't going to drop a kid to put OP child in except if they are exceptionally better. I cannot imagine OP's child is playing at the philharmonic level, but if they are, maybe MCYO would consider the child. It is better to get them in Symphony and be with their peers. The conductor is great. Depending on the grade, the child might be in Young Artists, which is great too since the child could be 7-8-9th grades.

+1 My child hasn't done all of the orchestras on this list, but our experience is that you don't have to re-audition to stay at the same level. So, if the entire cello section chooses to stay at Symphony level, a kid would need to be really special to be added.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to add that the deadlines for AYPO and TCSYO are coming up soon. IIRC, registration deadline is May 1st for AY, with video submissions due by May 31st (Junior division has in-person sight reading/excerpts a week later). TCSYO deadlines are May 31st for registration, with in-person auditions for the higher orchestras the week after.

There is basically no overlap between the audition materials for the two, so your child will have a lot of material to prepare in a short amount of time.

TCSYO might let you audition later if you go to their camp. They offered later video auditions to campers last year.

It is usually for the "harder to find" instruments, such as brass and woodwinds, and one-offs like harp. Strings are generally easily filled. That said, if you have an exceptional young musician, they are the most likely to figure out a way to accommodate you, regardless of the instrument.

Camp is strings only and they still offered this. I have the impression they want to let as many as possible in at levels appropriate for them. Maybe that's not the case?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

Then it’s not playing up, it playing with others at your same level. DCYOP does this.

The orchestras considered best in the region (MCYO and AYPO) generally do not allow this. For instance, the Philharmonic orchestra at AYPO says that it "Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12". My rising 9th grader violinist has nearly 0% chance of getting into it, although she is auditioning for it anyway.

if she is good they will let her in.

It's not that straightforward. A student that has been a part of the organization for years will have a better shot than someone that is brand new to the organization, even if they both have essentially similar skills if they're say on the borderline of the age/grade cutoff. Obviously, a 13 year old playing Pag 1 would probably make it.

This is what we've seen. If there are open spots and others are not ready to move up, then yes, but any kid who's been there and is trying they do support. They probably aren't going to drop a kid to put OP child in except if they are exceptionally better. I cannot imagine OP's child is playing at the philharmonic level, but if they are, maybe MCYO would consider the child. It is better to get them in Symphony and be with their peers. The conductor is great. Depending on the grade, the child might be in Young Artists, which is great too since the child could be 7-8-9th grades.

+1 My child hasn't done all of the orchestras on this list, but our experience is that you don't have to re-audition to stay at the same level. So, if the entire cello section chooses to stay at Symphony level, a kid would need to be really special to be added.

Although I don't think it's one you're referring to, TCSYO does require re-auditions every year and they say you're not guaranteed the same level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Orchestra was going the sports route where you "play up".

Do you also redshirt your kid so they are bigger and stronger and get the coveted Tuba 1st chair?

It's not about redshirting. It's about a kid being able to play in an ensemble that is a good fit for their ability. If a 10 year old violinist can play Sibelius, it makes no sense for them to be playing the equivalent of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in an ensemble.

Then it’s not playing up, it playing with others at your same level. DCYOP does this.

The orchestras considered best in the region (MCYO and AYPO) generally do not allow this. For instance, the Philharmonic orchestra at AYPO says that it "Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12". My rising 9th grader violinist has nearly 0% chance of getting into it, although she is auditioning for it anyway.

if she is good they will let her in.

It's not that straightforward. A student that has been a part of the organization for years will have a better shot than someone that is brand new to the organization, even if they both have essentially similar skills if they're say on the borderline of the age/grade cutoff. Obviously, a 13 year old playing Pag 1 would probably make it.

This is what we've seen. If there are open spots and others are not ready to move up, then yes, but any kid who's been there and is trying they do support. They probably aren't going to drop a kid to put OP child in except if they are exceptionally better. I cannot imagine OP's child is playing at the philharmonic level, but if they are, maybe MCYO would consider the child. It is better to get them in Symphony and be with their peers. The conductor is great. Depending on the grade, the child might be in Young Artists, which is great too since the child could be 7-8-9th grades.

+1 My child hasn't done all of the orchestras on this list, but our experience is that you don't have to re-audition to stay at the same level. So, if the entire cello section chooses to stay at Symphony level, a kid would need to be really special to be added.

Although I don't think it's one you're referring to, TCSYO does require re-auditions every year and they say you're not guaranteed the same level.

This is correct although I don't think you're in any danger of going down a level unless you were on the cusp to begin with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to add that the deadlines for AYPO and TCSYO are coming up soon. IIRC, registration deadline is May 1st for AY, with video submissions due by May 31st (Junior division has in-person sight reading/excerpts a week later). TCSYO deadlines are May 31st for registration, with in-person auditions for the higher orchestras the week after.

There is basically no overlap between the audition materials for the two, so your child will have a lot of material to prepare in a short amount of time.

TCSYO might let you audition later if you go to their camp. They offered later video auditions to campers last year.

It is usually for the "harder to find" instruments, such as brass and woodwinds, and one-offs like harp. Strings are generally easily filled. That said, if you have an exceptional young musician, they are the most likely to figure out a way to accommodate you, regardless of the instrument.

Camp is strings only and they still offered this. I have the impression they want to let as many as possible in at levels appropriate for them. Maybe that's not the case?

Camp is strings only. But you still have to audition. Last year we did not choose what we auditioned for and they choose which one for my child. Years past you had to audition for each group but that may be particularly to our instrument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to add that the deadlines for AYPO and TCSYO are coming up soon. IIRC, registration deadline is May 1st for AY, with video submissions due by May 31st (Junior division has in-person sight reading/excerpts a week later). TCSYO deadlines are May 31st for registration, with in-person auditions for the higher orchestras the week after.

There is basically no overlap between the audition materials for the two, so your child will have a lot of material to prepare in a short amount of time.

TCSYO might let you audition later if you go to their camp. They offered later video auditions to campers last year.

It is usually for the "harder to find" instruments, such as brass and woodwinds, and one-offs like harp. Strings are generally easily filled. That said, if you have an exceptional young musician, they are the most likely to figure out a way to accommodate you, regardless of the instrument.

Camp is strings only and they still offered this. I have the impression they want to let as many as possible in at levels appropriate for them. Maybe that's not the case?

Camp is strings only. But you still have to audition. Last year we did not choose what we auditioned for and they choose which one for my child. Years past you had to audition for each group but that may be particularly to our instrument.

Most orchestras will choose the appropriate orchestra for the child. If X is the highest orchestra followed by Y and Z, and you audition for X but are not good enough, they will consider you for Y and Z. DD has always auditioned for the higher orchestras for TCSYO and made those, but with the understanding that she will be placed in a lower orchestra if she did not. She is doing the same with AYPO, but with the expectation that she will not be placed in the higher orchestra since she is new and at the low end of the age range for them.

[Anonymous]

OP, just pick some convenient orchestras and have your daughter audition. It sounds like she has a a lot of confidence (which can be a good thing), but from what you say it's also possible that she just thinks she's better than other kids her age. If she's as good as you and she think she is, she'll get a spot in an orchestra that befits her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to add that the deadlines for AYPO and TCSYO are coming up soon. IIRC, registration deadline is May 1st for AY, with video submissions due by May 31st (Junior division has in-person sight reading/excerpts a week later). TCSYO deadlines are May 31st for registration, with in-person auditions for the higher orchestras the week after.

There is basically no overlap between the audition materials for the two, so your child will have a lot of material to prepare in a short amount of time.

TCSYO might let you audition later if you go to their camp. They offered later video auditions to campers last year.

It is usually for the "harder to find" instruments, such as brass and woodwinds, and one-offs like harp. Strings are generally easily filled. That said, if you have an exceptional young musician, they are the most likely to figure out a way to accommodate you, regardless of the instrument.

Camp is strings only and they still offered this. I have the impression they want to let as many as possible in at levels appropriate for them. Maybe that's not the case?

Camp is strings only. But you still have to audition. Last year we did not choose what we auditioned for and they choose which one for my child. Years past you had to audition for each group but that may be particularly to our instrument.

Most orchestras will choose the appropriate orchestra for the child. If X is the highest orchestra followed by Y and Z, and you audition for X but are not good enough, they will consider you for Y and Z. DD has always auditioned for the higher orchestras for TCSYO and made those, but with the understanding that she will be placed in a lower orchestra if she did not. She is doing the same with AYPO, but with the expectation that she will not be placed in the higher orchestra since she is new and at the low end of the age range for them.

Do these groups have multiple groups per age. There really isn’t a lot of flexibility with MCYO in less you are a transition year. One group per age group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, just pick some convenient orchestras and have your daughter audition. It sounds like she has a a lot of confidence (which can be a good thing), but from what you say it's also possible that she just thinks she's better than other kids her age. If she's as good as you and she think she is, she'll get a spot in an orchestra that befits her.

Take this advice. We only did one and got lucky and got in but in hindsight we should have done more but I wasn’t really understanding there were multiple groups or how.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to add that the deadlines for AYPO and TCSYO are coming up soon. IIRC, registration deadline is May 1st for AY, with video submissions due by May 31st (Junior division has in-person sight reading/excerpts a week later). TCSYO deadlines are May 31st for registration, with in-person auditions for the higher orchestras the week after.

There is basically no overlap between the audition materials for the two, so your child will have a lot of material to prepare in a short amount of time.

TCSYO might let you audition later if you go to their camp. They offered later video auditions to campers last year.

It is usually for the "harder to find" instruments, such as brass and woodwinds, and one-offs like harp. Strings are generally easily filled. That said, if you have an exceptional young musician, they are the most likely to figure out a way to accommodate you, regardless of the instrument.

Camp is strings only and they still offered this. I have the impression they want to let as many as possible in at levels appropriate for them. Maybe that's not the case?

Camp is strings only. But you still have to audition. Last year we did not choose what we auditioned for and they choose which one for my child. Years past you had to audition for each group but that may be particularly to our instrument.

Most orchestras will choose the appropriate orchestra for the child. If X is the highest orchestra followed by Y and Z, and you audition for X but are not good enough, they will consider you for Y and Z. DD has always auditioned for the higher orchestras for TCSYO and made those, but with the understanding that she will be placed in a lower orchestra if she did not. She is doing the same with AYPO, but with the expectation that she will not be placed in the higher orchestra since she is new and at the low end of the age range for them.

Do these groups have multiple groups per age. There really isn’t a lot of flexibility with MCYO in less you are a transition year. One group per age group.

TCSYO doesn't go by age, so that one is quite flexible. AYPO has a fair amount of overlap, as they divide the orchestras into senior and junior divisions. Senior division has 3 orchestras for 9-12th grades, but the language they use "averaging grade x" gives you a fairly good idea of who normally makes it. Sinfonietta is "averaging grade 9" (and is a string + percussion orchestra). Symphonic is a full orhcestra, "averaging grade 10" and Philharmonic is their highest orchestra, "averaging grade 12". DD has a friend in Symphonic although he is not yet a 9th grader, and I recognize someone in Philharmonic who is definitely not a 9th grader, so these things do have some flexibility.

Additionally, Junior division Concert Orchestra is also open to 9th graders and averages grade 9, but if you're auditioning for Junior, you can't be considered for senior orchestras, and vice versa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to add that the deadlines for AYPO and TCSYO are coming up soon. IIRC, registration deadline is May 1st for AY, with video submissions due by May 31st (Junior division has in-person sight reading/excerpts a week later). TCSYO deadlines are May 31st for registration, with in-person auditions for the higher orchestras the week after.

There is basically no overlap between the audition materials for the two, so your child will have a lot of material to prepare in a short amount of time.

TCSYO might let you audition later if you go to their camp. They offered later video auditions to campers last year.

It is usually for the "harder to find" instruments, such as brass and woodwinds, and one-offs like harp. Strings are generally easily filled. That said, if you have an exceptional young musician, they are the most likely to figure out a way to accommodate you, regardless of the instrument.

Camp is strings only and they still offered this. I have the impression they want to let as many as possible in at levels appropriate for them. Maybe that's not the case?

Camp is strings only. But you still have to audition. Last year we did not choose what we auditioned for and they choose which one for my child. Years past you had to audition for each group but that may be particularly to our instrument.

Most orchestras will choose the appropriate orchestra for the child. If X is the highest orchestra followed by Y and Z, and you audition for X but are not good enough, they will consider you for Y and Z. DD has always auditioned for the higher orchestras for TCSYO and made those, but with the understanding that she will be placed in a lower orchestra if she did not. She is doing the same with AYPO, but with the expectation that she will not be placed in the higher orchestra since she is new and at the low end of the age range for them.

Do these groups have multiple groups per age. There really isn’t a lot of flexibility with MCYO in less you are a transition year. One group per age group.

TCSYO doesn't go by age, so that one is quite flexible. AYPO has a fair amount of overlap, as they divide the orchestras into senior and junior divisions. Senior division has 3 orchestras for 9-12th grades, but the language they use "averaging grade x" gives you a fairly good idea of who normally makes it. Sinfonietta is "averaging grade 9" (and is a string + percussion orchestra). Symphonic is a full orhcestra, "averaging grade 10" and Philharmonic is their highest orchestra, "averaging grade 12". DD has a friend in Symphonic although he is not yet a 9th grader, and I recognize someone in Philharmonic who is definitely not a 9th grader, so these things do have some flexibility.

Additionally, Junior division Concert Orchestra is also open to 9th graders and averages grade 9, but if you're auditioning for Junior, you can't be considered for senior orchestras, and vice versa.

Interesting. That sounds nice.