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 VYO, contact Carol Nies.
Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras
Curb Youth Symphony, Carol Nies, director
Sponsored jointly by the Blair School of Music and Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the most advanced ensemble of the program draws students from all over the region.
Philharmonia Orchestra, Craig Madole, director
This full orchestra (grades 8-12) performs major orchestral works.
Repertory Orchestra
Repertory Orchestra is a full orchestra experience for students in grades 6-12.
Youth Strings I and II and Reading Orchestra
String students begin their orchestral experience and are carefully guided through the program as they progress in skill and understanding.
Read more about audition requirements for Curb Youth Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestra.
Read more about audition requirements for the Youth Strings and Reading Orchestra programs.
Registration information for Spring 2022
VYO: Curb Youth Symphony
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The Curb Youth Symphony is the most advanced ensemble of the Nashville Youth Orchestra. It performs masterpieces of standard orchestral literature and features winners of the CYS Concerto Competition. Students have the opportunity to work with Nashville Symphony Orchestra members and Blair School of Music faculty members in section rehearsals and master classes. An annual CYS/NSO side-by-side concert is performed at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Membership is open to students in grades 8-12 by audition. The Curb Youth Symphony is sponsored by the Nashville Symphony and the Blair School of Music. Rehearsals are 6:35-9:05 p.m. Mondays. For more information, contact Carol Nies.
VYO: Philharmonia Orchestra
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The Philharmonia is a full orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp and strings) of outstanding young musicians performing masterpieces of standard orchestral literature. Members of the Philharmonia included students from Tennessee and Kentucky. Membership is open to students in grades 7-12 by audition. Audition requirements are the same as for the Curb Youth Symphony. Rehearsals are 2-4:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information, contact Craig Madole
VYO: Repertory Orchestra
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The Repertory Orchestra is a full orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp and strings) of outstanding high school and middle school students performing arrangements of standard orchestral literature. Membership is open to students in grades 7-12 by audition. The orchestra presents two concerts each year. Rehearsals are 6:30-8:45 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, contact Cassandra Brosvik.
VYO: Youth Strings Orchestra
The Youth Strings Orchestras provide training for young string students and prepare them for admission into the Repertory Orchestra. Students must be able to read at least Level One music. The Youth Strings Orchestras are open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition and recommendation of the private instructor. These groups give several concerts each season and meet for one 60-minute session weekly.
VYO: Strings - Reading Orchestra
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.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:10-8:00 PM
VYO: Beginning Reading Orchestra
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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. Rehearsals: Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 PM
Event calendar