Orchestral Programs
DYAO has three main ensembles: Young Artists Orchestra (YAO), Conservatory Orchestra (CO), and String Ensemble (SE). To determine which ensemble might be best for your student, please consult our proficiency standards below. If you have questions, please contact Program & Orchestra Manager Rachael DeLange.
Young Artists Orchestra
The Young Artists Orchestra (YAO), the most advanced of our ensembles, is composed of approximately 70 to 80 members and performs four to six concerts annually, including one side-by-side concert with the Colorado Symphony. Concerts are performed in venues such as Boettcher Concert Hall, area churches, and Gates Concert Hall at The Newman Center. Students receive occasional coachings from Colorado Symphony Members or university faculty throughout the season and attend a weekend retreat in September. Recent repertoire includes Sibelius: Symphony no. 2, Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Jennifer Higdon: Cold Mountain Suite, and Beethoven: Symphony No. 3.
Placement in YAO is determined by audition. Membership is open to musicians between the ages of 12 and 23.
YAO rehearses Saturday mornings from 9:00am-12:30pm at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music (2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver) throughout the season (approximately August through May).
Conservatory Orchestra
The Conservatory Orchestra (CO) is our intermediate ensemble for students who aspire to grow musically towards YAO. Composed of approximately 60 to 70 members, the Conservatory Orchestra performs three to four concerts annually in conjunction with the String Ensemble. Concerts are performed in venues such as Gates Concert Hall at The Newman Center, area churches, and Boettcher Concert Hall. Students receive occasional coachings throughout the season from Colorado Symphony Members or university faculty and attend a weekend retreat in September. Recent repertoire includes Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Arturo Márquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo, Price: Symphony no. 1 (mvt. II, III), and Copland: “Hoedown” from Rodeo.
Placement in the Conservatory Orchestra is by audition. Membership is open to musicians between the ages of 10 and 18.
Conservatory Orchestra rehearses Monday evenings from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village) throughout the season (approximately August through May). **On in-person seating audition days, the time may extend to 9pm**
String Ensemble
The String Ensemble (SE) gives young music students an opportunity to experience the great wealth of string orchestra literature. The ensemble is designed for those who are developing a facility in bowing techniques, reading music, and the use of vibrato. Composed of approximately 30 to 40 members, the String Ensemble performs three to four concerts in conjunction with the Conservatory Orchestra. Students receive occasional coachings from Colorado Symphony Members or university faculty throughout the season and attend a one-day retreat in September. Recent repertoire includes Vivaldi: Concerto for Strings RV121, Britten: Simple Symphony mvt. I, Rutter: Suite for Strings, mvt. IV, and Price: The Old Boatman.
Placement in the String Ensemble is determined by audition. Membership is open to musicians between the ages of 7 and 13.
String Ensemble rehearses Monday evenings from 5:30pm-7:00pm at Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village) throughout the season (approximately August through May). ** On in-person seating audition days, call time may be earlier, at 5:00pm**
