2026-27 MVSO Youth Strings Registration and Payment

WELCOME to the 2026-2027 SEASON!
ABOUT US

Founded in 2016 by MVSO violinist Denise Carter, the mission of MVSO Youth Strings has been to share the love of music making in a non-competitive yet rigorous and professional environment. By merging the expanses of music to the enormous potential of youth, we bring unmatched educational and musical value to all who wish to play a stringed instrument.
NEW THIS YEAR

On the following pages, you’ll learn more about our programs and what makes them so special! Take a look at the ensembles and classes, choose the right match for you, then complete the registration info and submit your semester payment. Please note that beginning in the 26-27 season, payment will be due at the time of registration. A variety of tuition assistance options are available, including reduced rates, sibling discounts, and full fee waivers. If you’re able, there’s also an opportunity to make a donation to help support these discounts. Let’s get started!

WHAT WE DO

Entering our 11th year, we proudly to serve over 100 students from across the Miami Valley. Wherever you are in your playing, you deserve a youth orchestra that thinks you are a BIG DEAL! Our doors are open and AUDITION FREE to all string players in grades 2-12. Our students come from communities such as Troy, Englewood, Cedarville, Kettering, Springboro and northern Cincinnati and represent 5 counties. Students rehearse weekly in level-appropriate ensembles. All groups spend time on string playing and ensemble techniques in addition to learning concert pieces. Additionally, students will learn the value of personal preparation and regular attendance to create a powerful and positive group dynamic.
MAKING MUSIC ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

We are committed to making music accessible to ALL families. Ensemble participation fees are kept reasonable, siblings pay 50%. No questions asked full and reduced tuition assistance is available to all. If you are in a position to donate a little extra to support our families in need, simply add the amount to your total at checkout.

A COMMUNITY OF MUSICIANS

MVSO Youth Strings is part of the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra's Community and Education outreach programs. But most importantly - we are a musical FAMILY. We provide quality musical experiences in the rehearsal room, concert hall and within the community. Our ensembles have been found in local parades, assisted living communities, demonstrating at an instrument petting zoo, competing at King's Island's Music in the Parks and at ASTA's 2024 and 2027 National Orchestra Festivals.

A General Guide to Choosing an Orchestra

Because we don't audition, please carefully review the minimum skills needed with your child and their private lessons instructor. When in between levels, choose the easier ensemble. Our goal is to place students where they will thrive musically and socially. Please direct any questions to mvsyouthstrings@gmail.com. You can select your ensemble(s) and make payment at the end.
Rehearsal & Class Location

, Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd, Kettering, OH 45429 . Conveniently located off of Lincoln Park Blvd and near Town & Country shopping center.
The 2026-2027 Schedule

We operate on two semesters per school year: most Saturdays from August-December and January-May. Students may opt to participate in a single semester to accommodate other commitments - however, a full year of participate is preferred. **Please note that a full year commitment is required for both Beginning String Classes**

Beginning String Class 1 - class start delayed until January 2027

Saturdays, 11:00am-12:00pm, $100/ semester. Students in grades 2-5 can begin their study of violin, viola, cello or bass from the very beginning. Families will be guided through renting instruments, home practice and instrument care. Materials will be provided but families must rent their own instrument.
Beginning String Class 2- class start delayed until January 2027

Saturdays, 12:15-1:15pm, $100/ semester. This is an extension of our Beginning String Class 1. Offered to students in grades 2-5 who have learned the basics of instrument hold and posture, basic bow hold and use, and left hand finger placement. These students are ready to begin learning to ready notation while continuing to develop their beginner skills on violin, viola, cello, and bass. Materials will be provided but families must rent their own instrument

Youth Strings: DaCapo

Lois Clond, Director
This ensemble is best suited for:

Students approx. ages 7-12, Da Capo is Italian for ‘from the beginning”. This orchestra is open to all beginning string players as a first or early ensemble experience. Students should already know how to play and have good command of the skills listed below. Repertoire will introduce students to the sounds of playing with melody and harmony and how to play within your instrument section.
Minimum Skills Needed

• Rhythm: eighths, quarters, halves, dotted half, and whole notes.• Able to follow basic downbow and upbow markings and slurs.• Can play in the keys of G, D, and C in one- and/or two-octave ranges.
Rehearsals

Saturdays, 11:00am-12:15 pm, Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd, Kettering, OH 45429
Tuition

$110 / semester

Youth Strings: Sinfonia

Jamie Whitmore, Director
This ensemble is best suited for:

Students approx. ages 8-14. Youth Strings: Sinfonia is for the developing string player. This orchestra can be an exciting first orchestra experience for those students who've studied privately for a few years, or an opportunity for developing students to challenge their playing. Students are expected to practice the basics of notes, rhythms and bowings independently. Rehearsals will focus on learning the basic skills of playing as an ensemble like learning how to match style, sound and bowings, and blend and balance as a group.
Minimum Skills needed

• Rhythm: eighths, quarters, halves, dotted half and whole notes. • Able to follow basic downbow and upbow marking and slurs. • Can play in the keys of G, D, C in one and/or 2 octaves.
REHEARSALS

Saturdays, 12:30-2:00 pm, Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd, Kettering, OH 45429
Tuition

$125 / semester

Youth Strings: Coda

Kristen Hruby, Director
This ensemble is best suited for:

Students approx. ages 12-18 . This ensemble is for the string players with strong interest in learning the art of ensemble playing and improving their performance skills. More demanding repertoire is offered to challenge students who have already mastered basic string playing skills and wish to expand their playing abilities. In addition to the skills listed, students should have the ability to prepare their parts independently and to work in a fast paced rehearsal for two hours.
Minimum Skills Needed

• Approx. ages 12-18.• 2-3 octave major and minor scales.• Vibrato• Shifting through positions 5+.• Violas should read treble clef; cellos should read tenor clef.• Bowing: slurs, staccato, spiccato, hooked, tremolo, accents, full range of dynamics.• Skills equate to Suzuki book 5+.
Tuition

$175/semester
Rehearsals

Saturdays, 3:30-5:30pm, Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd, Kettering, OH 45429
PLEASE NOTE

This ensemble will be competing at the National Orchestra Festival, Chicago, IL on February 24-27, 2027. While we encourage all students to participate, we understand that family's individual circumstances may not allow. For those who participate, travel will be required. Additional expenses and fundraising will be an essential element to participation in this ensemble.

Chamber Music

CLASS TIME: Saturdays, 2:45-3:30pm COST: $50/semester. Open to all Youth Strings Sinfonia and Coda players. Each chamber group will be coached by a MVSO member and will present their pieces at concerts and community events. Chamber musicians will develop personal musical expression and interpersonal communication since ensembles play without a conductor. All groups will be formed according to instrument, age and skill level. To increase performance skills and opportunities for chamber musicians, performance hours will be held during chamber time. Here, chamber groups will gather in a workshop setting to practice performing and will receive comments and suggestions from the chamber music staff.
Chamber Music Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is VITAL to the practice and rehearsal of chamber music. When a part is missing it is difficult for the group to have adequate and productive rehearsals. Since chamber groups perform without a conductor the attendance of every student ensures students are able to work on communication and connection between parts. We, therefore, hold our chamber musicians to a higher standard in regard to attendance. Please carefully consider attendance before signing up and plan a maximum of 2 absences. Those in excess may forfeit the privilege of participating and performing.
Theory & Composition

CLASS TIME: Saturdays, 2:00-2:45pm COST: $50. Instructor: Moira Levant. We are pleased to offer a Music Theory and Composition class for our Sinfonia and Coda level students. In this class students will discuss what composition and theory are and how they fit together. Students will learn about chords and intervals, melody and harmony, musical form and structure. Students will also learn how to write for performers, the limits of composition as well as how the score is a tool of communication between the composer and the performer. In this class the students will be encouraged to listen to music they are unfamiliar with, to experience a variety of composers. Students will begin writing their own short compositions with instructor guidance and possible performance by Chamber groups.

PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION
Parent/Guardian #1 Name

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Parent/Guardian #1 Email Address
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Street address where student resides most of the time
City, State
Zip code
Parent/Guardian #2 Name

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Parent/Guardian #2 Email Address
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Volunteering

We are a non-profit organization that heavily relies on volunteers. We appreciate our parent volunteers who assist us in creating such a welcoming and successful program for our students!
Please contact me to assist! You may select multiple options.

WELCOME to the 2026-2027 SEASON!

ABOUT US

NEW THIS YEAR

WHAT WE DO

MAKING MUSIC ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

A COMMUNITY OF MUSICIANS

A General Guide to Choosing an Orchestra

Rehearsal & Class Location

The 2026-2027 Schedule

Beginning String Class 1 - class start delayed until January 2027

Beginning String Class 2- class start delayed until January 2027

Youth Strings: DaCapo

This ensemble is best suited for:

Minimum Skills Needed

Rehearsals

Tuition

Youth Strings: Sinfonia

This ensemble is best suited for:

Minimum Skills needed

REHEARSALS

Tuition

Youth Strings: Coda

This ensemble is best suited for:

Minimum Skills Needed

Tuition

Rehearsals

PLEASE NOTE

Chamber Music

Chamber Music Attendance Policy

Theory & Composition

STUDENT REGISTRATION

PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Volunteering

ATTENDANCE POLICY & OTHER COMMITTMENTS

SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PARTICIPATION

OPTIONAL

ENSEMBLE SELECTION & PAYMENT for SEMESTER 1

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