Hoff-Barthelson Music School Announces Open House for Orchestral Program
Hoff-Barthelson Music School is pleased to announce a virtual Open House for its renowned Orchestral Program, taking place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:30 pm via Zoom. This engaging event welcomes the public to join Music Directors Jun Nakabayashi (Festival Orchestra) and Robert Schwartz (Young People’s Symphonette, Chamber Orchestra), along with Executive Director Ken Cole, for an informative online introduction to the School’s esteemed three-tiered Youth Orchestra Program.
The Open House will delve into a multitude of exciting topics, including repertoire insights, educational objectives, performance schedules, spring enrollment procedures, audition preparation (note: only the Festival Orchestra requires auditions), the opportunity to secure Festival Orchestra Merit Scholarships, and much more.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School is unique in Westchester County for its innovative three-tiered youth orchestra structure. This program, designed to nurture students from various levels of experience, culminates in a full symphonic orchestra for high school students who have attained the highest level of technical ability and musical artistry. The Young People’s Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra provide the foundation for aspiring musicians, preparing them for membership in the audition-only Festival Orchestra.
One of the distinctive aspects of Hoff-Barthelson’s Orchestral Program is that it is open to all students, whether they are studying privately at the School or elsewhere. This inclusivity allows a wide range of young musicians to experience the enriching benefits of the program.
Notably, at the 2023 Music Showcase Festival in Allentown, PA, Hoff-Barthelson’s Young People’s Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra earned significant recognition. Both ensembles claimed first-place prizes in their respective divisions, showcasing their exceptional talent. The Chamber Orchestra further impressed by winning the overall instrument award, solidifying their status as the highest-scoring instrumental group for the day. Section-specific awards were also achieved, with the Chamber Orchestra’s second violin and bass section and the Symphonette’s first violin and cello sections receiving well-deserved accolades.
The Open House discussion is open to the public free of charge. To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP here, email [email protected], or call 914-723-1169.
For those who aspire to join the Festival Orchestra, auditions will be held at the School on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Detailed audition information is available at www.hbms.org.
