Youth Orchestras

With approximately 2,000 students passing through its doors every week, the Peabody Preparatory is Baltimore's premier community school for the performing arts. It is open to students of all ages and levels of ability with offerings ranging from early childhood classes for infants to the Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) program for adults. Instrumental and dance instruction begins as young as four years, and most classes are available to adults.

The Preparatory offers four types of orchestral experience to meet the needs of developing musicians. An audition is required, though playing at the recommended minimum repertoire levels does not assure acceptance into the ensemble of choice. Each ensemble is involved in two to three performances a year. There are opportunities for soloists for the ensembles in concerto competitions.

Preparatory String Ensemble

Emphasizing the fundamentals of large ensemble playing, the String Ensemble is designed as an ideal first orchestral experience for elementary through intermediate students of violin, viola, cello and bass. An individual instruction lesson at the Prep is mandatory for all instruments. more

Peabody Preparatory Wind Orchestra

Open to intermediate level brass, wind and percussion players, ages 10-18, this performing ensemble provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding. Study includes the cultivation of a beautiful tone, the building of technical skills, team spirit and responsible rehearsal habits. Students will strengthen listening skills, their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating their music experiences to the time and culture of the pieces they study, as well as to contemporary society. Several performances will be given on and off campus throughout the year. more

Young Artists Orchestra

Intermediate to advanced level students in a medium-sized orchestra for strings, winds, brass, and percussion. The Young Artists Orchestra rehearses and performs repertoire from the standard concert literature for both full and string orchestra. The orchestra presents three concerts per academic year. New and returning students must audition for acceptance and placement in the orchestra. Auditions are open to all interested students but priority will be given to those who study privately at the Preparatory. Students who do not study privately at the Peabody Preparatory are not eligible to participate in any Preparatory recitals or competitions, including the Chamber Orchestra Part Concerto Competition. more

Peabody Youth Orchestra

Open to any advanced musician in all strings, winds, brass, and percussion. The Peabody Youth Orchestra offers major orchestra repertoire and many performance opportunities. Previous orchestral experience is required. Students who study privately at the Preparatory will be given priority. Students in PYO who do not study privately at the Peabody Preparatory are not eligible to participate in any Preparatory recitals or competitions, including the PYO Full Concerto Competition. more

 

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