MYS is starting a young strings group to begin in January of 2009.

To audition contact: Art DiTullio (586) 549-7941

To provide students their first experience playing in a string ensemble and to prepare them for The MYS Strings Orchestra (5th through 8th graders). Students in the young string group will be comprised of players who do not meet the age requirement of the MYS String Orchestra and/or have less years of experience playing their instrument. Students will receive instruction in the understanding and execution of particular skills such as: discernment of musical symbols, bow articulations, rhythmic combinations, dynamics, musical interpretation, independent part reading, general skills and behaviors of ensemble playing.

The typical student will be between 6 and 10 years of age.

1. Able to play 1st position notes on all four strings of their instrument

2. Able to properly support the instrument

3. Able to hold the bow in the proper manner and produce good tone

4. Able to play two notes slurred together on one bow

5. Able to play all first position finger patterns for the Key Signatures of: C, G, D, F, B-flat

1. Able to read all notes on all four strings in 1st position.

2. Understands basic note values: whole, half, dotted half, quarter, eights, sixteenth

3. Counts independently

4. Maintains a steady rhythm

5. Maintains personal focus for length of rehearsal

1. The C and B-flat Major one octave scale

2. The d and a Melodic Minor one octave scale

3. A 2 minute solo (no accompaniment / memorization not required)

4. Sight Reading chosen by the conductor

Rehearsal Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am

1st Rehearsal: January 10, 2009

Performance: At the Spring Concert