Elevate Your Musical Journey with Hoff-Barthelson’s Renowned Orchestral Program
Audition for the 2026-27 Youth Orchestra Program!
Take your musicianship to the next level as a member of Hoff-Barthelson’s distinguished Youth Orchestra Program. Students may audition by video for the Chamber Orchestra or Festival Orchestra.
Submit your audition video by Thursday, September 3, 2026, to be considered for placement at the start of the fall semester. Auditions received after the deadline will be considered for the next available opening.
New students: Click here to complete the Youth Orchestra Program Audition Form, then submit your audition video.
Festival Orchestra returning students: You do not need to complete the form; simply submit your audition video.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
All students: Prepare two excerpts from pieces of your choice that showcase your technical and musical abilities, approximately two minutes each. For students auditioning for the Festival Orchestra, we recommend that one of the pieces be at or near the equivalent of NYSSMA level 6.
Festival & Chamber Orchestras violin and cello: One three-octave scale of your choice
Festival & Chamber Orchestras viola and bass: One two-octave scale of your choice
Festival Orchestra woodwinds and brass: One two-octave scale of your choice
Festival Orchestra percussion: Rolls demonstrating crescendo and diminuendo
Email the audition video with the student’s name, instrument, and orchestra choice:
Festival Orchestra: orchestra@hbms.org and festivalorchestra@hbms.org
Chamber Orchestra: sartists@yahoo.com
Performance Dates: (subject to change)
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 20, 2027, 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 5, 2027, 7:00 pm
Join a community of dedicated young musicians and grow through the power of ensemble playing!
Step into the world of orchestral excellence at Hoff-Barthelson Music School, where young musicians embark on a transformative journey of artistic growth, collaboration, and mastery. Our acclaimed orchestral program nurtures students at every level, providing a structured and inspiring environment that refines their technique, broadens their musical perspectives, and elevates their performance skills to new heights.
A Progressive Three-Tiered Orchestral Experience
As the leading community music school in Westchester, Hoff-Barthelson’s orchestral program is built upon a carefully structured three-tiered system, ensuring that students develop the skills, confidence, and artistry needed to thrive in an orchestral setting.
- Young People’s Symphonette (Grades 2-5) – The first step in our orchestral pyramid, this dynamic string ensemble, led by the esteemed Robert Schwartz, provides a nurturing environment where young musicians build essential technical and ensemble skills while developing a lifelong love of orchestral music.
- Chamber Orchestra (Grades 6-10) – As students progress, they advance to our intermediate Chamber Orchestra, also under the expert direction of Maestro Schwartz. This ensemble refines technical proficiency, musical expression, and ensemble cohesion, preparing students for the ultimate achievement: selection into our prestigious Festival Orchestra.
- Festival Orchestra (High School, Audition-Only) – The pinnacle of our program, the Festival Orchestra, conducted by the acclaimed Maestro Leandro Gazineo, is a full symphonic orchestra that represents the highest level of orchestral artistry at Hoff-Barthelson. This elite ensemble challenges talented high school musicians with professional-level repertoire, intensive rehearsals, and thrilling performance opportunities that inspire excellence and elevate their musicianship to new heights.
A Transformative Musical Experience
At every level, our orchestral program is more than just rehearsals and performances—it is a gateway to artistic growth, personal development, and lifelong friendships. With 15 rehearsals per semester and three annual concerts, students experience the rigor and joy of orchestral playing in a supportive and inspiring community.
Join us and become part of a legacy of musical excellence. Whether your child is just beginning or preparing for the next stage of their musical career, Hoff-Barthelson’s orchestral program offers an inspiring and rewarding path forward.
Take the next step—enroll today and experience the power of orchestral music!
Watch our combined Orchestras in a performance of Chamambo by Manuel Artés.
