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.
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. Learn more
Located at the Towson and Downtown campus, and open to beginning level wind, brass and percussion players, this performing ensemble provides opportunities for the cultivation of a characteristic 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 performance. A special emphasis on music reading skills will prepare beginning students for lifelong musical learning as well. Learn more.
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. Learn more
Open to intermediate level wind, brass and percussion players, this performing ensemble provides opportunities for the cultivation of a characteristic 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. A special emphasis on music reading skills will prepare intermediate students for lifelong musical learning as well. Several performances will be given on and off campus. Learn more
Open to advanced wind, brass and percussion players, the Peabody Preparatory Wind Orchestra is the elite wind ensemble in Peabody’s Preparatory division. This ensemble performs collegiate and professional repertoire in a challenging, nurturing and educational environment. Wind Orchestra students frequently collaborate with Peabody Conservatory students and receive coachings from Preparatory faculty. Enrollment is limited to one or two players on a part, which insures personal attention from the conductor and other faculty members. Membership is drawn from the Baltimore Metro Area, Washington D.C. Metro Area, Southern Pennsylvania and Delaware. This ensemble is meant to be a supplement to the student’s school band program and requires that the student be a member of their school music program if one exists. Annual events include a concerto competition and a commissioning project with Peabody Conservatory composition majors. Learn more
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. Learn more