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 Fall 2021
VYO: Curb Youth Symphony
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Carol Nies, Director
Rehearsals will start virtually fall 2021
The Curb Youth Symphony is the most advanced ensemble of the Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras. It performs masterpieces of standard and modern orchestral literature. Winners of the CYS Concerto Competition are featured on CYS Concerts in December and May. Members have the opportunity to work with Nashville Symphony Orchestra members and Blair School of Music faculty members in section rehearsals and master classes. The CYS performs four to five concerts a year, including an annual CYS/NSO Side-by-Side Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The CYS is open to students in grades 8-12 by audition. CYS members work hard to achieve the highest level of musical accomplishments – while enjoying a supportive environment and having a great deal of fun! CYS alumni have been accepted to the finest conservatories and schools of music and perform in outstanding music festivals and professional orchestras throughout the world. For more information, contact Dr. Nies.
Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:35-9:05 PM
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
VYO: Repertory Orchestra
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Rehearsals will begin virtually fall 2021
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
VYO: Strings - Reading Orchestra
Rehearsals will begin virtually fall 2021
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: Youth Strings Orchestras
Rehearsals will begin virtually fall 2021
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.
Rehearsals:
Youth Strings I: Tuesday, 4:50-5:40 PM
Youth Strings II: Tuesday, 6:00-6:50 PM
Youth Strings III: Tuesday, 7:10-8:00 PM
Event calendar