The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

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

Preparatory String Ensemble

• Matthew Horowitz-Lee, conductor 

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.

Young Artists Orchestra

• Daniel Levitov, conductor

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

Peabody Youth Orchestra

• Harlan D. Parker, conductor

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.