Many young people today greatly enjoy playing music. For some, they want to be part of an orchestra and perform for audiences.
Youth orchestras are becoming more popular and common in response to this increased demand. In some cases, a family with a musical child will move to another area of the country, to be close enough to allow the child to be in a youth orchestra.
Sometimes there are even summer programs where young people can be part of an orchestra for the summer months. During this program they learn a great deal about their skills, performing, and music in general.
Students who take part in the summer programs generally grow both musically and personally from the experience. Some kids wind up with more self confidence, since they get a better idea about what their role should be.
Starting early is crucial to success. The earlier a child starts, the more of a chance that they get to have musical experiences growing up. If they end up wanting to be a professional musician as an adult, this is very helpful.
You have to be good to get into most of these orchestras and programs. There's keen competition. If you have two players who are equally talented, but one who has youth orchestra experience, often that will be enough to be a deciding factor.
The cost of participating in youth orchestra varies. Some are free but you have to be accepted to the orchestra, you can't just sign up and expect to be included. Others will teach you a great deal about music but they will charge fees. Still other top orchestras cost money but also offer scholarships to make it more financially feasible for young people to take part.
Obviously not all orchestra programs are the same. Parents of a musically gifted child should do a bit of homework to see the best youth orchestra to meet their child's needs. You want to make sure that the music played fits with the child's tastes and playing style. You also want to make sure that there is sufficient personal instruction and direction from instructors.
You want music to be fun too, so don't forget this when you check out different youth orchestras. Likely you can get applications, requirements, and other info online. Minimum age differs from orchestra to orchestra, some allow very young children to be part, while others have a minimum age of 11.
By Val McQueen
Youth orchestras are becoming more popular and common in response to this increased demand. In some cases, a family with a musical child will move to another area of the country, to be close enough to allow the child to be in a youth orchestra.
Sometimes there are even summer programs where young people can be part of an orchestra for the summer months. During this program they learn a great deal about their skills, performing, and music in general.
Students who take part in the summer programs generally grow both musically and personally from the experience. Some kids wind up with more self confidence, since they get a better idea about what their role should be.
Starting early is crucial to success. The earlier a child starts, the more of a chance that they get to have musical experiences growing up. If they end up wanting to be a professional musician as an adult, this is very helpful.
You have to be good to get into most of these orchestras and programs. There's keen competition. If you have two players who are equally talented, but one who has youth orchestra experience, often that will be enough to be a deciding factor.
The cost of participating in youth orchestra varies. Some are free but you have to be accepted to the orchestra, you can't just sign up and expect to be included. Others will teach you a great deal about music but they will charge fees. Still other top orchestras cost money but also offer scholarships to make it more financially feasible for young people to take part.
Obviously not all orchestra programs are the same. Parents of a musically gifted child should do a bit of homework to see the best youth orchestra to meet their child's needs. You want to make sure that the music played fits with the child's tastes and playing style. You also want to make sure that there is sufficient personal instruction and direction from instructors.
You want music to be fun too, so don't forget this when you check out different youth orchestras. Likely you can get applications, requirements, and other info online. Minimum age differs from orchestra to orchestra, some allow very young children to be part, while others have a minimum age of 11.
By Val McQueen
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