Ensembles

Philharmonic is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Kristofer Sanz. The Philharmonic (PHIL) is a full symphonic orchestra comprised of the most talented high school brass, wind, string, and percussion musicians in the Washington DC Metro Area. Philharmonic is quickly becoming known for their highly musical, professional and extremely nuanced interpretations of a wide range of works spanning many genres including orchestral masterpieces, modern compositions, ballet, and opera. The Philharmonic performs in the state-of-the-art concert hall at The Music Center at Strathmore.

MCYO’s newest high-level string orchestra KAMERATA! is conducted and directed by Maestro Katherine Smolen. Led by Maestro Smolen, this orchestra promises to be an exciting, passionate, and highly musical experience for all involved. In addition to tackling classical string orchestra repertoire, this ensemble will perform adventurous repertoire including modern compositions, movie scores, Anime scores, and other non-traditional orchestral works that are not performed by any other MCYO ensemble!

Chamber Ensemble is a unique high school level string ensemble directed by Julie Savignon. The Chamber Ensemble (CE) is comprised of high-level ninth through tenth grade string players who show a keen ability to perform advanced string orchestra repertoire both with a conductor as well as in a true conductor-less chamber orchestra environment. The Chamber Ensemble performs on the Strathmore stage as well as in many different local venues as goodwill musical ambassadors for MCYO.

Symphony orchestra is a full symphony orchestra conducted by Simeone Tartaglione. The MCYO Symphony (SYM) is comprised of very talented 8th through 10th grade instrumentalists who rehearse and perform standard orchestral repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. In Symphony, our musicians continue to hone their technical and musical abilities while performing challenging and exciting repertoire. The Symphony performs in the Music Center concert hall.

Young Artists (YA) is a 95-97 member full orchestra conducted by MaryAnn Poling. Young Artists is comprised of gifted orchestral instrumentalists in grades 6 through 9. Young Artists exposes young musicians to the full orchestra experience for the very first time. From learning to perform in a variety of style periods, to the special camaraderie that results from being part of a full orchestra, the growth that occurs at this level is astounding.

Concert Orchestra (CO) - MCYO is introducing a NEW ensemble named Concert Orchestra, conducted by Andrea Cameron. This full orchestra is specifically designed to bridge the gap between our Preparatory Strings and Young Artists programs. It will provide a valuable opportunity for students in grades 6-8 to develop their ensemble skills in a full orchestral setting. As with every MCYO ensemble, this experience will not only enhance technical proficiency but also foster a deeper appreciation for orchestral music.

Chamber Strings (CS) is conducted by Dietrich Paredes Baralt. In Chamber Strings our young string musicians in grades 4 through 6 begin developing their talents and focusing the fundamental skills required for successful ensemble performance. Proficiency at sight-reading, orchestral bowing, following the conductor, learning to share music with a stand partner is emphasized.

Preparatory Strings (PS) is conducted by Maestro Elizabeth Peterson & Seth Castleton, with the help every week of strings specialists. Preparatory Strings is a full string orchestra for young string players in grades 3 to 5.

The professional coaches teach, train and develop each section at each rehearsal and also perform with the group.

Future Stars (FS) is conducted by Dr. Montano, with the help of three professional string coaches, Dietrich Paredes, Fatima Corona and Dr. Seth Castleton. For young string players in grades 2 through 4, the Future Stars is MCYO’s entry-level ensemble. The professional coaches teach, train and develop each section at each rehearsal and also perform with the group.

MCYO offers small ensemble options for certain instruments. These ensemble are sized anywhere from 6 to 25 for certain instruments.

• Flute Choirs
• Clarinet Choir
• Harp Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble

Chamber Music Program offers talented young musicians the opportunity to closely work in small ensembles (trios, quartets, quintets, etc) with exceptional faculty, perform in master classes, and participate in chamber music concerts and competitions. In addition, groups are invited to perform in Strathmore events, National Philharmonic & BSO concerts, Strathmore partner collaborations, and other community events.