ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ACADEMY ANNOUNCES OPENING FOR AUDITIONS IN ENSEMBLES 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

May 8, 2024

Annapolis, Maryland – The Annapolis Symphony Academy is part of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the largest professional orchestra and one of the oldest and largest performing arts organizations in Anne Arundel County. Students benefit from mentorship, teaching, and side-by-side performances with professional ASO musicians. Workshops and master classes include visits and one-on-one instruction with world-famous guest artists and craftspeople. Older students are able to join Academy staff and volunteers for charitable performances and community-service opportunities throughout Annapolis and the Anne Arundel County region. Importantly, all Academy students receive free tickets to ASO performances. 

The Academy is delighted to announce that auditions are open for all ensembles. There is no cost  to audition for any ASA programs. 

CLASSES AND ENSEMBLES

Discovery

The Discovery program is an introductory series of classes for our youngest students, especially ages preschool to third grade. explore the foundations of music in a fun and creative way. No experience is necessary  for this engaging musical experience. Auditions are not required for Discovery classes; however, we do ask that students apply at TunedtoYouth.org. 

Tuition Free Ensembles

Annapolis Symphony Academy ensembles use precise methodology based on academic research and proven principles to develop the collaborative performance skills of young musicians who are just starting their training. Small groups provide precise and individualized attention to younger students. Groups are assigned by matching the students’ playing level, providing a fun experience for the students. Weekly Chamber Music group lessons are led by Annapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians. Students perform exciting Chamber Music repertoire at Annapolis Symphony Academy concerts. Students are able to participate in exciting collaborations with partner youth orchestras.

Lyra Chamber Music Ensembles – Suitable for ages 6-14.

Aquarius Wind Ensemble – Suitable for ages 10-18

Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra – Suitable for ages 10-18

The Orion Youth Orchestra – Suitable for ages 12-18

All ASA ensemble students receive merit-based scholarships that cover the total cost of ensemble participation. Private lessons are required for all ensemble members. Lessons are available through our Virtuoso Pathway program or an instructor outside of the Academy. 

An audition is required to participate in the Academy’s four tuition-free ensembles, led by world-class conductors and teachers, including Maestro José-Luis Novo, Music Director of the Annapolis Symphony Academy.

Virtuoso Pathway

The Virtuoso Pathway program is suitable for any student who is passionate about music or who wants to refine their musical abilities, and is a robust musical education program that includes private lessons, recitals, performance opportunities in the community, guest workshops, and internship opportunities. An assignment to one of the Academy’s tuition-free ensembles (see above) is included in the Virtuoso Pathway program. The Academy offers need-based scholarships to students who qualify to offset the cost of tuition. An audition is required to join the Virtuoso Pathway, in order to determine the best path and plan for each student. 

AUDITIONS

Beginners are welcome to apply to join the Annapolis Symphony Academy online at any time, and no auditions are needed for Discovery music classes.  

Auditions for all ensembles will occur during the Annapolis Symphony Academy’s “ASA-Day” event at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on May 19th, 2024 from 10am to 5 pm. Please register to audition here: Click to Sign Up for an Audition. Apply for an audition anytime at www.TunedToYouth.org. 

ABOUT THE ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ACADEMY

The Annapolis Symphony Academy is changing lives by providing accessible high-level musical education to students of all cultural and economic backgrounds while addressing the under-representation of minority musicians in the classical music field. Half of the Annapolis Symphony Academy student body is composed of minorities under-represented in contemporary orchestras of the United States. The ASA employs a model that emphasizes interaction and mutual respect. This model provides a diverse student body: it merges two overlapping, non-identical concepts of equality into one program. Students are selected for the program strictly based on merit and their drive to learn and become better musicians. Regardless of a student’s cultural background and through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Academy awards up to fifty percent of its annual tuition revenue in need-based scholarships. To learn more about the ASA, visit tunedtoyouth.org.

Media Inquiries: Netanel Draiblate, ASA Founder and Director, ndraiblate@annapolissymphony.org  443-454-0609

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