Greater New Haven Youth Ensembles (Auditioned)

Auditions for the Spring 2012 season will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2012. You may either sign up at the front office or call 203-624-5189 to be assigned a time.

Since 1961, the Youth Ensembles program at NMS has provided young musicians with unparalleled opportunities to explore the rich symphonic repertoire, develop performance skills, and meet other high-achieving students. The four auditioned ensembles under the direction of professional conductors (described below) draw dedicated string, wind and percussion players from middle and high schools throughout southern Connecticut.

Rehearsals are held weekly in preparation for at least two concerts per year, generally held in January and May at Yale University's Battell Chapel.

Spring Auditions

One audition serves for placement in all five orchestral and wind ensembles. Students may indicate a preference but they are placed in the appropriate group on the basis of age and skill. Please note: All of the Greater New Haven Youth Ensembles require an audition for placement. Current enrollment at NMS is not a requirement to audition. There is no fee to audition.

Auditions for the Spring 2012 season will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2012. You may either sign up at the front office or call 203-624-5189 to be assigned a time.

Concerts

There are two major concert performances each year: the Winter Concert on January 8, 2012,  and the Spring Concert on May 13, 2012. All of the youth ensembles play at these concerts.  

We are proud to announce that we have commissioned two new works to be premiered on May 13, 2012, at the Spring concert by our Youth Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. One work will be by award-winning contemporary composer Ingram Marshall, adjunct professor at the Yale School of Music (YSM), whose works have been performed widely throughout the United States and Europe, including by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Also featured will be a new work by Thomas C. Duffy, director of bands at Yale and adjunct professor at the YSM. Recordings and performances of Duffy's music include those by college bands, orchestras and wind ensembles throughout the world.

Greater New Haven Youth Ensemble Rates

Youth Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, Concert Band
Based on 14 weeks per semester
With NMS private lesson:  $285 per semester
All others:  $350 per semester

Ensemble Discount:

Students taking three (3) or more ensembles receive 50 percent off the cost of the third and any additional ensembles. Discount applies to the least expensive ensemble(s).


Students who enroll in a chamber ensemble (10 students or less) and have been accepted into a Greater New Haven Youth Ensemble will receive a 50 percent discount on the Youth Ensemble.

Ensemble Descriptions

Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra

The Youth Orchestra is one of the top youth ensembles in Connecticut and focuses on preparation of major symphonic literature leading to three to four performances a year. The orchestra is for highly committed high school players only. Players will enjoy periodic festival trips, special events and community performances.

Day/Time Conductor Wind Sectional Coach  
Wednesday 6:10-8:30 p.m. Netta Hadari Sue Zoellner-Cross  

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

An advanced ensemble of winds, brass and percussion performing traditional and contemporary works for large symphonic wind ensemble. For highly committed high school players only.

Day/Time Conductor    
Wednesday 4:30-6 p.m. Mark Gahm    

Greater New Haven Concert Orchestra

An orchestral experience for dedicated intermediate string, wind and percussion students. Generally for grades seven and up with four years private lessons. Weekly rehearsals include string and wind sectionals. Previous small ensemble experience strongly recommended.

Day/Time Conductor String Sect. Wind Sect.  
Monday 4:15-5:00 p.m. M. Warshaw M. Warshaw Sue Zoellner-Cross  
5:00-6 p.m. Full rehearsal        


Greater New Haven Concert Band

An ensemble of dedicated wind, brass and percussion students perform traditional and contemporary works from the symphonic band repertoire. Generally for grades seven and up with one to three years private lessons. Previous band experience strongly recommended.

Day/Time Conductor  
Monday 6:15-7:30 p.m. Mark Gahm