Whidbey Island Youth Orchestra’s and Community Orchestra’s 2012 winter concert rehearsals begin this month at the South Whidbey High School band and choir rooms at 6 p.m.
The groups rehearse mainly on Thursdays with a few Wednesdays thrown in.
The Youth Orchestra will be under the direction of Siri Bardarson and the Community Orchestra will be under the direction of Chris Harshman.
The Youth Orchestra is open to musicians under 21 who have the basic musical skills for reading music and who would like to meet, play with and perform with other island young people. There are openings in all string and wind sections. This year there are no auditions or audition fees.
The Community Orchestra is open to more advanced, high school age musicians with the conductor’s approval, and to all adults. There is no audition for adults.
Individual players’ parts can be modified to give musicians of varying levels material that is fun, challenging and exciting. The aim is for all musicians to sound good as an ensemble in an enjoyable atmosphere. The Community Orchestra has openings in all sections.
The orchestras are supported by donations and modest membership fees. In cases of need, partial fee waivers can be arranged.
For information about joining, contact Bill Halstead at billmvg@gmail.com; Youth Orchestra coordinator Sheri Kelly at 360-341-3130; james.kelly1@juno.com; or visit www.whidbeyorchestras.org.
