When a musician experiences success in the practice room more opportunities present themselves.
There are many avenues for growth in central Virginia!
District Band auditions
Young musicians who are enrolled in their school's band, orchestra, or ensemble, program may audition for District Band. Auditions are usually in December and the event itself in February. Those who make the ensembles gather to rehearse music and perform as the District Honor Band.
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In the Senior division for High School students, if you place highly enough in your section you have the option to audition for All-Virginia Band and Orchestra!
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Young Musician recitals
The Wednesday Music Club arranges recitals for young musicians to perform periodically throughout the year. Young musicians can sign up to perform with their instructor's permission.
More information can be found here: https://wednesdaymusicclub.org/students
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Studio recitals
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Once a year, in May, we invite studio members to perform in a supportive and friendly environment. The goal is to help the young musicians become more familiar with being on stage and we invite them to play the work they are most interested in performing -- not the work that is the most difficult or challenging that they were developing.
Youth Orchestras of Central Virginia
YOCVA has three ensembles that are open to clarinetists:
Clarinet Ensemble: Focusing on chamber music and independent playing while teaching clarinet fundamentals and ensembles skills, the Clarinet Ensemble is a fantastic environment for musicians to grow. With a mix of intermediate and advanced clarinetists, there is a great opportunity for improving musicians to advance while advanced musicians refine their leadership and ensemble skills.
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Evans Orchestra: As the intermediate orchestra for the YOCVA organization, this is often the earliest opportunity for young people to engage in orchestral music. Evans has directors for both the winds and strings. This is a great introduction to orchestral literature!
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Youth Symphony: As the advanced orchestra for the YOCVA organization, this ensemble performs appropriate professional orchestral repertoire. Many members of the Youth Symphony go on to musical studies at many of the best schools in the country!
More information:
Masterclasses
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A masterclass is a combined performance/lesson format. A guest instructor is invited and studio members perform a piece for the class and then receive instruction on their performance.
Past instructors to Tobin Clarinet Sudio masterclasses have included: Garrick Zoeter (Shenandoah Conservatory), Tiffany Valvo (VCU), Sarunas Jankauskas (JMU), David Perry (Washington & Lee), Chuck West (VCU -emeritus), David Shifrin (Yale), Carol McGonnell (Argento Ensemble), Andy Simon (Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra), Matt Hunt (Deutsche Kammerphilharmoie Bremen), and others.
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Competitions
There are three competitions local to Charlottesville. The Wednesday Music Club sponsors a competition in February that provides opportunities for a wide range of ages and ability levels. The Charlottesville Municipal Band and the Youth Orchestras of Central Virginia offer concerto competitions in January for highly polished performers.
Regional Clarinet Days
Many universities in Virginia are hosting Clarinet Days or Single-Reed Days which provide attendees with many opportunities: clarinet ensembles, masterclasses, presentations, discussions, merchandise, and access to their faculty for the day.
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