OUR PROGRAM
OrcheSTARS!• OVERTURE ENSEMBLES • DA CAPO ORCHESTRA • YOSAL YOUTH SYMPHONY • YOSAL MARIACHI BANDA •CANTARE!
YOSAL provides students with engaging, music-focused classes throughout the week.
Members receive their own instrument, perform in recitals and concerts, and participate in off-campus field trips and activities. Students develop strong relationships with peers and teachers, and establish a tight-knit community in which they continue to grow throughout their childhood.
Through the discipline, persistence, and patience required to learn a musical instrument, YOSAL members obtain the skills needed to excel in school as well as their future careers.
YOSAL members receive year-round group lessons, full orchestra, and mentorship opportunities. Students are required to attend classes 3 days per week. Tuition is free.
Invitation to the YOSAL Youth Symphony & Mariachi Banda is by audition only.
OrcheSTARS!
OrcheSTARS! is YOSAL’s introductory program for 1st and 2nd graders. Through choir, movement, rhythm, and fun group activities, students develop the building blocks of music, including ear training, breathing, diction, listening, and music reading basics. Guided by our Choir Teaching Artist, OrcheSTARS! nurtures a love for music while preparing students for their transition into orchestra.
CLASSES MEET:
1st Grade: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
2nd Grade: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
New students in grades 3 and above, & continuing YOSAL students in 3rd grade receive their orchestra instrument & begin learning technique in 2 group classes per week. They then put those skills to use in either the Overture String Ensemble or the Overture Wind Ensemble & begin to learn how to play as a large group. After a semester of learning the basics, they come together to play as a full orchestra for the very first time.
Students who have played their instrument for at least 1 year join Da Capo, where they further their abilities in their twice-weekly group classes. They play in full orchestra once per week & start to understand how their instrument fits into the larger group setting.
OVERTURE & DA CAPO ORCHESTRAS
CLASSES MEET:
M: 3:30-4:30pm (Overture); 4:30-6:30pm (Da Capo)
T/TH (Winds/Brass/Percussion Only): 3:30-4:30pm (Overture); 4:30-5:30pm (Da Capo)
W/F (Strings only): 3:30-4:30pm (Overture); 4:30-5:30pm (Da Capo)
YOSAL YOUTH SYMPHONY & MARIACHI BANDA
In our most advanced group, YOSAL Youth Symphony (YYS) members focus on a higher level of music-making in their group classes as well as in full orchestra, led by our Music Director.
YOSAL Mariachi Banda (YMB) is made up of YYS members who have auditioned and are accepted by the Director. All orchestra instruments are eligible to join YOSAL Mariachi Banda.
CLASSES MEET:
M: 4:30-6:30pm (Orchestra), 6:30-7:30pm (Mariachi Banda)
T/TH: 5:30-6:30pm (Winds/Brass/Percussion)
W/F: 5:30-6:30pm (Strings)
Cantare is YOSAL’s youth choir for high school students interested in developing their voices and musicianship in a supportive ensemble setting. Under the direction of Dr. Seán Boulware, students focus on healthy vocal technique, ensemble singing, and expressive performance while building confidence and collaboration in a supportive choral setting. Cantare is a free program aligned with YOSAL’s mission of empowering youth through music.
**Voice Assessment Requirement**
All singers must sign up for a brief voice assessment. Available time slots are listed on the registration page.
***High School Choir Enrollment Requirement***
Students must be currently enrolled in their high school’s choir program to participate in Cantare. Proof of enrollment (such as a copy of an official class schedule) must be brought to the first rehearsal. Students who are not currently enrolled will have two weeks to enroll in a high school choir. Students who do not enroll within that time frame will not be able to continue in Cantare.
CLASSES MEET:
Saturdays (biweekly): 1:30–3:30 PM
Questions?
Please call or text Dr. Seán Boulware at 714-322-4560