The Odeon Strings Program arose out of the Odeon Youth Orchestra, founded in 2000. Odeon merged with Bay Chamber Concerts in 2006, and has since expanded its offerings to include an ensemble for all ages and abilities.

The mission of the Odeon Youth Orchestra is to offer string musicians the opportunity to:

• Play in a variety of ensemble settings, including full orchestra, chamber ensembles, junior ensemble and as soloists.
• Develop the musical skills necessary for ensemble play.
• Perform orchestral and other string works in concert settings that are open to the public.

Odeon Junior Ensemble
A wonderful first orchestral experience for younger string players aged 10-14 that opens up a new world of ensemble playing while reinforcing technique and reading skills. Open to students with at least one year of violin, viola, cello, harp, bass, or piano who are comfortable reading music and playing in the keys of A, D, C, and G.
The junior Ensemble explores a wide variety of music and students learn basic orchestral techniques, such as playing together, listening, and following a conductor.

Odeon Youth Orchestra
The Odeon Youth Orchestra is open to string and wind players with intermediate to advanced levels of technical ability. For strings, this includes shifting, vibrato, and reading music with more than 2 sharps or flats. Wind players should have the ability to read music and cover 2 octaves on their instruments. Prior experience playing in an ensemble is recommended. Members of the Youth Orchestra gain musical knowledge and fine-tune their musical abilities through a wide range of challenging repertoire each concert session.

Odeon Adult Orchestra
The Odeon Adult Orchestra is designed for adult string and wind players at the intermediate level or above. It offers musicians in the local area a warm and welcoming place to play exciting music, learn ensemble skills, and build camaraderie. Works from the great orchestral repertoire will be explored in a friendly and supportive environment.

Odeon Chamber Orchestra
The Odeon Chamber Orchestra serves youth string players at the high-intermediate to advanced level. It is selective, technically and artistically challenging, and requires prior ensemble experience. Rehearsals focus on developing musicianship and refining ensemble technique as well as broadening knowledge of varied repertoire for chamber orchestra. Intensive outside preparation is necessary to polish the demanding repertoire.

For more information or to apply, click here.