There are four orchestras within the organization: the Prelude Orchestra, the Symphonia, the Philharmonia, and the Youth Symphony.
The Prelude Orchestra is made up of mostly elementary age string students in grades 4-6. This group rehearses and performs mainly beginning to elementary level string orchestra music. Prelude students also perform simplified parts along with the Symphonia on selected concert numbers. The Prelude Orchestra usually begins in January.
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings during the school year from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
The rehearsal schedule for Preparatory students usually includes:
6:30-7:20 - Prelude. orchestra rehearsal
7:20-7:30 - break
7:30-8:00 - full symphony rehearsal: Prelude students rehearse with Symphonia studentsRehearsals are held on Monday evenings during the school year from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Axtell Park middle school.
The Symphonia is an middle level orchestra made up of students in grades 6-9. This group rehearses and performs intermediate, to upper-intermediate literature.
Groups within the Symphonia may include:
string orchestra
wind ensemble
symphony orchestra
Additional small groups such as fiddlers and cello ensemble may be formed
if the makeup of personnel allows.
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings during the school year from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Axtell Park middle school.
The rehearsal schedule for Symphonia students usually includes:
6:30-7:20 - string orchestra/wind ensemble rehearsal
7:20-7:30 - break
7:30-8:00 - full symphony rehearsal
The Philharmonia is an upper intermediate/advanced level symphony orchestra. Advanced middle school, and high school students comprise this group. The Philharmonia rehearses and performs advanced orchestra literature.
Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during the school year from 10-11:30 a.m. at Augustana College.
The Wind Ensemble explores concert and chamber music for winds with new conductor Scott Muntefering.
The Youth Symphony is an advanced level string, and symphony orchestra, that maintains an extremely rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule throughout the year. Advanced middle and high school students who are willing to meet demanding expectations are members of this group.
Most rehearsals are held Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Augustana College. However, a few outside rehearsals in selected afternoons or evenings are scheduled in order to accommodate members who are involved in conflicting school, and community schedules.