ABOUT
Ensembles
KINGSTON YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The Kingston Youth Orchestra is the only full orchestra (strings, winds, brass and percussion) for teens in the Kingston area and South-Eastern Ontario. This group of highly talented youth performs a wide range of music, at an intermediate/advanced level, from masterworks to pops. The Youth Orchestra draws its membership from our own string preparatory groups as well as many other local string programs and private teachers in Kingston and the surrounding area. Most of our wind, brass and percussion players come from the area high schools and private teachers. The Kingston Youth Orchestra headlines their own concert series of two concerts at Chalmers United Church, fall and spring, and they also perform in festivals and outreach concerts. The 2018-2019 season marked their 50th anniversary as a Youth Music Ensemble of Kingston.
Conductor and Music Director Hugh Johnston
KINGSTON YOUTH STRINGS
The Kingston Youth Strings is an Intermediate string ensemble performing exciting repertoire of various genres leading to an introduction to orchestral technique and style. They perform in at least two concerts each year (November and May) as well as festival and outreach performances. The Kingston Youth Strings promote interest in more advanced string playing and nurtures future participation in the Kingston Youth Orchestra. Membership in the Youth Strings is by audition and the group meets once weekly from September until May.
KINGSTON A-STRINGS
The Kingston A-Strings is a beginner string ensemble working on unison ensemble playing in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere (younger string players at book 1 to early book 2 level). A-Strings is designed to foster confidence and enthusiasm for fine music and provides a foundation for successful participation at advancing levels of string technique. Students receive one training session per week September to May and participate in two concerts and festivals.
Young string players will learn to play orchestral music in a supportive and nurturing environment under the leadership of Kingston Symphony violinist Danielle Lennon.