Carol Nies, director
The Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras have been an integral part of the Blair Academy since 1972. Comprising eight orchestras, the program draws outstanding young musicians from throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. The Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras are open by audition to students in the third through the 12th grades. The VYO provides a high-quality orchestral experience at all levels, in addition to a fun, supportive and challenging learning environment. Members of the VYO have the opportunity to work with professional conductors and coaches from the Blair School of Music faculty and the Nashville Symphony. Students accepted for membership are encouraged to be in good standing in their school's music organizations. For information about becoming a part of VCO, contact Carol Nies.
Spring 2021 Rehearsal Plans (COVID-19)
All Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras will begin rehearsals on Zoom (online) to follow the Vanderbilt University COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. You will receive emailed instructions for all details for this.
We will transition to in-person rehearsals when Vanderbilt safety guidelines for this have been met. Transition plans for the large ensembles include moving from Zoom rehearsals to in-person chamber orchestra-size groups to allow for social distancing guidelines. ALL VYO members will be included! VYO woodwinds, brass, percussionists and harpists, do not worry — you will all be included and will have great repertoire to work on! (Students whose parents would like them to participate in online rather than in-person rehearsals may choose this option.) We will transition to full large ensemble in-person rehearsals when approval for this is given by Vanderbilt.
If Zoom rehearsals are not possible for you because of financial reasons, email Carol Nies and resources will be found to make this possible.
Registration information for Spring 2021
VYO: Philharmonia Orchestra
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The Philharmonia is a full orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp and strings) of outstanding young musicians preparing and performing masterpieces of standard orchestral literature in a challenging and fun environment. Members have the opportunity to prepare two concerts a year and work with Nashville Symphony Orchestra members and Blair School of Music faculty members in section rehearsals and master classes. The Philharmonia is open to students in grades 7-12 by audition. For more information, contact Craig Madole.
Rehearsals: Sundays, 2:00-4:30 PM beginning January 17 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)
VYO: Repertory Orchestra
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Ashly Martella, director
The Repertory Orchestra is a full orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp and strings) of outstanding high school and middle school students. The repertoire is selected from standard and modern orchestral arrangements to provide fun and challenging rehearsals and concerts. The Repertory Orchestra is open to students in grades 7-12 by audition. Members have the opportunity to work with Nashville Symphony Orchestra members and Blair School of Music faculty members in section rehearsals and master classes. For more information, contact Carol Nies.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:45 PM beginning January 12 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)
VYO: Strings - Beginning Reading Orchestra
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Celeste Tuten, Director
The Beginning Reading Orchestra develops music-reading skills and introduces the fundamentals of orchestral playing and music theory. The Beginning Reading Orchestra performs several concerts a semester and provides the opportunity to learn in a fun and challenging environment. It is open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition. For more information, email Celeste Tuten.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 6:00-6:50 PM beginning January 14 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)
VYO: Strings - Reading Orchestra
Celeste Tuten, Director
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:10-8:00 PM beginning January 14 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)
The Reading Orchestra focuses on strengthening music reading skills and developing the fundamentals of orchestral playing and music theory. The Reading Orchestra gives several concerts each semester and provides the opportunity to learn in a fun and challenging environment. It is open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition. For more information, email Celeste Tuten.
VYO: Youth Strings Orchestras
The Youth Strings Orchestras I, II and III provide training for young string students and prepare them for admission into the Repertory Orchestra. Students must be able to read at least level two music. The Youth Strings Orchestras are open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition. The Youth String Orchestras give several concerts each semester and provide the opportunity to learn in a fun and challenging environment. For more information, email Celeste Tuten.
Rehearsals:
Youth Strings I: Tuesday, 4:50-5:40 PM beginning January 12 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)
Youth Strings II: Tuesday, 6:00-6:50 PM beginning January 12 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)
Youth Strings III: Tuesday, 7:10-8:00 PM beginning January 12 (Rehearsals will begin on Zoom)