Youth String Orchestra

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm.

Location:  Central Campus

Immanuel Church, 2551 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park, KY 41017

Requirements: Enrollment in private lessons and an annual audition.

2024-2025 Schedule

FALL Semester 2024: September 10 - December 14, 2024 

Registration Opens July 1

SPRING Semester 2025: January 8 - May 3, 2025 

Registration Opens November 1

2025-2026 Schedule

FALL Semester 2025: Registration Opens July 1

SPRING Semester 2026: Registration Opens Nov 1

Youth Orchestra Tuition:  $220 per semester / per student.*

*No refunds after the first two weeks of rehearsal

Youth String Orchestra Auditions:

FALL Auditions: August 18, 24, and 25, 2024 @ Immanuel Church 

• (For new and returning students)
• Click HERE to sign-up for a FALL audition time

SPRING Auditions: Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 @ Immanuel Church (For new students joining mid-year)

• Click HERE to sign-up for a SPRING audition time

QUESTIONS? Contact ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org.

1) Scales: 

• (2 octaves) C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab Major. (2-octaves) chromatic scale from lowest open string only.

2) Prepared work demonstrating vibrato and shifting. Piano accompaniment not necessary.

3) YSO excerpts are provided from the following works (2024-2025):

• Holst: Brook Green Suite, H. 190
• Tchaikovsky: The 3-Minute Nutcracker

Click to download excerpts (2024-2025):

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double bass

Click to VIEW Youth String Orchestra Calendar and all ISM Events & Calendars.

2024-2025 Youth String Orchestra Performances:

• December Concert: December 14, 2024 @ 4:00 pm. Notre Dame Academy, 1699 Hilton Dr, Park Hills, KY 41011.

• Community Concert: March 15, 2025 - Time: 1:00pm. Location: Cincinnati Art Museum - 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202.

• 2025 Tour & Competition: New York, NY - March 19 - March 23.

• Spring Concert: May 3, 2025 - Time: 4:00 pm Location: 2551 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, KY 41017.

WorldStrides OnStage Awards 2024 Orlando,FL

• Gold Rating and 1st place Invitation to the Festival of Gold

How do I know when to upgrade to a bigger instrument size? 

• Your orchestra teacher or private teacher will be able to recognize your growth and recommend when it is time to move up a size.

How do I know when to change my strings? 

• Typically, Violin, Viola, and Cello should change their strings once a year. When changing your strings be sure to write the date on the old package so you can refer to it the following year.  Bass strings can go longer than the other string instruments. Typically, basses change their strings every 2 years.

How do I know when to re-hair my bow? 

• Typically, All string instruments should re-hair their bow once a year.

How do I know when to stop renting and purchase my own instrument? 

• The biggest indicator is when you move up to a full-size instrument. As students advance, owning a nicer instrument becomes apparent when the repertoire begins to be compromised by the ability of your rental instrument.  (Tone, responsiveness, and instrument setup)This typically happens around 9th to 10th grade.

Can I join orchestra in the middle of the year? 

• The answer is Yes.  ISM holds auditions every year in January as well.  Typically, it is the first Saturday after New Year’s Day. 

Is it required to go on the competition trip? 

• No, it is not required. Students that do go to the competitions experience a level of community with their group that the weekly rehearsals cannot recreate.

My instrument or bow needs a repair, what should I do? 

• First, reach out to your child’s Orchestra Teacher. Your Teacher can quickly assess if they can assist or if the instrument may need to be swapped for a different instrument. Larger repairs are taken care of by Baroque Violin Shop which are covered under the BVS rental program’s free maintenance and replacement coverage.

Do you use a curriculum? 

• YES. We developed a two-semester sequential curriculum and offer workshops,  supplemental listening-links, & music reading tools to enhance the overall musical experience.

May Homeschool students participate in orchestra, chamber groups, and private lessons? 

• YES! We welcome all students to participate and experience the Immanuel School of Music in all aspects: 6 levels of orchestral opportunities, chamber groups, private lessons, and ISM mentor program.

How often should I expect teacher communication? 

• Orchestra teachers send weekly emails which include practice materials, class reminders, and concert information.

My child completed the year. What’s next? 

• Immanuel School of Music has six levels of orchestras, summers programs, private lessons, and chamber ensemble opportunities. Immanuel School of Music promotes musical growth for all ages.

Auditions are required yearly when entering Levels 4, 5 or 6 (Concert Strings, YSO, Sinfonia).

Have additional questions? Contact: ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org

Click to View all School of Music Policies