MCO - Youth - Registration Letter
October 29, 2024
On behalf of the Midland Community Orchestra, I am excited to be announcing the winter session of MCO-Youth! This is an amazing opportunity for young musicians in our Midland community!
The purpose of MCO-Youth is to provide students the opportunity to develop their skills within an ensemble gaining additional performance experience in an encouraging and motivating environment. They will also have the opportunity to perform with the Midland Community Orchestra in April. Since rehearsal time is limited in the MCO-Youth, it is a unique supplemental program that is intended to enhance, but not replace existing school programs. It is highly encouraged and expected that students will participate in their school orchestra programs where they are available, in addition to the MCO-Youth.
String students ages 10-14 (and younger students if recommended by their teacher and approved) are eligible to participate. These are typically 6-8th grade students. Students should have at least 2 years of experience on their instrument and should have a strong understanding of basic techniques. They should be able to tune by themselves (with or without a tuner), play simple scales and melodies, read basic music notation, be familiar with fundamental bowing techniques and have a basic understanding of rhythm and dynamics. Examples of the level of music students will perform are available on the MCO website to check for difficulty.
This is a FREE program that will consist of three sessions during the school year. There will be 5 rehearsals (including a sectional) a dress rehearsal and a concert each session. Students that participate in at least 2 of the 3 sessions during the season will be eligible to perform with the Midland Community Orchestra on April 27th. Students must commit to all rehearsals and the schedule will be as follows for the winter session:
Monday January 6, 2025 5:30-7:00 PM Full Ensemble MHS Band Room
Monday January 13, 2025 5:30-7:00 PM Sectionals MHS Band Room
Monday January 20, 2025 No Rehearsal – Martin Luther King Day
Monday January 27, 2025 5:30-7:00 PM Full Ensemble MHS Band Room
Monday February 3, 2025 5:30-7:00 PM Full Ensemble MHS Band Room
Monday February 10, 2025 5:30-7:00 PM Full Ensemble MHS Band Room
Saturday February 15, 2025 12:30-1:15 PM Dress Rehearsal Bullock Creek Aud
1:45 PM Call Time
2:00 PM CONCERT #2
Students must sign up to participate no later than December 13, 2024. Please fill in the registration form: MCO - Youth Registration
I hope your child can join us for this wonderful opportunity and I look forward to working with our local young musicians!
Gina Provenzano
MCO Conductor/Artistic Director