ISO at Third Street Youth Orchestra Program
NYC's Largest Youth Ensemble Program
Where young musicians find their sound and community.
Placement Audition
Overture - Entry Level
Overture is designed as a "first" experience in ensemble playing for young musicians.
Playing solo repertoire is completely different from playing an independent part in an ensemble. In Overture, students learn to follow a conductor and develop leadership skills within the group; increasing independence, reading skills, and aural/visual coordination.
Students continuing in their current ensemble do not need to re-audition for the next school year and may proceed directly to registration. New students, or returning students interested in moving up to the next orchestra, should submit a video audition. New students typically join orchestra in September–October or January–February.
Con Spirito - Introductory Level
An exploration in sound! Building on the foundational skills learned in Overture, Con Spirito students enjoy playing the repertoire of many styles and traditions. Led by Steven Rochen, the group focuses on advanced bowing skills, the ability to play independent musical lines and dynamic interpretation.
Schedule: Saturdays at 10:30am, Third Street Music School
Students continuing in their current ensemble do not need to re-audition for the next school year and may proceed directly to registration. New students, or returning students interested in moving up to the next orchestra, should submit a video audition. New students typically join orchestra in September–October or January–February.
Carnegie Hill - Beginner Level
Carnegie Hill brings young instrumentalists, professional section coaches, expert conductors, and exceptional concert experiences together for an exciting and impactful introduction to the orchestral experience.
Sinfonia - Pre-Intermediate Level
Assembling the tools of technique! In this strings-only group directed by Steven Rochen, students learn more advanced repertoire - from the Renaissance to contemporary styles and original pieces. Students gain increased skill in sight-reading as we employ more advanced rehearsal techniques, music theory concepts, and practicing strategies.
Schedule: Saturdays at 11:30am, Third Street Music School
Concert - Intermediate Level
Concert orchestra brings young instrumentalists together for inclusive, ensemble-based music-making in a friendly environment. Every young musician will find the right place for themselves to create beautiful music with their peers.
Concert orchestra brings young instrumentalists, professional section coaches, expert conductors, and exceptional concert experiences together for an exciting and impactful orchestral experience.
Philharmonia - Proficient Level
A youth string orchestra Philharmonia is for young musicians who play bowed string instruments. It focuses on developing teamwork, technical skills, and musical expression.
Schedule: Saturdays at 10:30am, Third Street Music School
Symphony - Advanced Level
An advanced youth orchestra Symphony is a premier symphonic ensemble for elite young musicians who have achieved exceptional technical mastery on their instruments. It replicates a professional orchestral environment to prepare students for conservative-level performance and advanced musical leadership.
