A new youth orchestra has just been set up in Geneva, aimed at providing young musicians aged between the ages of 8 and 18 the opportunity to play together in a relaxed and friendly environment.
The Geneva Youth Ensemble will provide students playing a string, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument the opportunity to learn a variety of skills including teamwork, listening whilst they play, and how to follow a conductor. The choice of music will vary from classics and movie themes to popular tunes and marches, as well as seasonal selections.
According to Pianoforte Productions Director, Julie Tompkins-Wagner, who will lead the new Ensemble, and who also runs the popular Summer Music Program for children, the young musicians will take part in at least two public performances per year. She says the students will be working with and learning from professional and experienced musicians, who will sit with them and sometimes play during rehearsals.
Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday afternoons from 4:15 - 5:30 at the Geneva English School in Genthod. Prospective musicians should not worry if they have missed the auditions – they should just email Julie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit the website at www.Julie-music.com and fill in the online application form.
Instruments required in the ensemble include:
Strings: violin, viola, 'cello, double bass, harp
Woodwinds: flutes, recorders, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, saxophones
Brass: trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, tuba
Percussion: mallets, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, assorted small percussion -- sorry, no drum kit.
The cost for participating in the Geneva Youth Ensemble is CHF 300 per year. Payment will be due once the student has been accepted into the ensemble after auditions.
