IMMANUEL SCHOOL OF MUSIC Programs
Youth Sinfonia
Ellen Stephens, Director
Award-winning advanced (Level 6) auditioned string orchestra. High school students.
About Youth Sinfonia
Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:15-8:30 pm
Location: Central Campus
Immanuel Church, 2551 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park, KY 41017
Requirements: Enrollment in private lessons and an annual audition.
2025-2026 Schedule
FALL Semester 2025: September 8 - December 13, 2025
Registration Opens July 1
SPRING 2025: January 5 - April 25, 2026
Registration Opens November 1
2025-2026 Schedule
FALL Semester 2025:
Registration Opens July 1
SPRING Semester 2026:
Registration Opens Nov 1
Tuition
Youth Sinfonia Tuition: $230 per semester / per student.*
*No refunds after the first two weeks of rehearsal
Audition Dates
Youth Sinfonia Auditions:
FALL Auditions:
August 23, and 24, 2025 @ Central Campus
- (For new and returning students)
- Click HERE to sign-up for FALL audition time
SPRING Auditions:
Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 @ Central
(For new students joining mid-year)
- Click HERE to sign-up for SPRING audition time
QUESTIONS? Contact ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org.
Audition Requirements
1) Scales:
- (3 octaves) A, E, Eb, and Ab Major.
- (3 octaves) c, f, f#, and c# melodic minor.
- (3-octaves) chromatic scale from lowest open string only.
2) Prepared work demonstrating student's abilities. Piano accompaniment not necessary.
3) Sight-reading.
4) Sinfonia excerpts are provided from the following works (2025-2026):
Click to download excerpts (2025-2026):
Calendar
Performances
2025-2026 Youth Sinfonia Performance Opportunities:
December Concert:
Saturday, December 13, 2025, Time/Location TBA
Community Concert:
Date/Time/Location TBA
2026 Tour and Competition:
Thursday, April 9 - Sunday, April 12, 2026
Atlanta, Georgia
Spring Concert
Saturday, April 25, 2026,
Time/Location TBA
Awards
World Strides On Stage Performance April 2024 Orlando, FL
Awards Received:
- Gold Rating and 1st place
- Adjudicator Award (Score above 92)
- Outstanding Orchestra Award (Highest Score)
- Maestro Award for Maddie Murray
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when to upgrade to a bigger instrument size?
- Your orchestra teacher or private teacher will be able to recognize your growth and recommend when it is time to move up a size.
How do I know when to change my strings?
- Typically, Violin, Viola, and Cello should change their strings once a year. When changing your strings be sure to write the date on the old package so you can refer to it the following year. Bass strings can go longer than the other string instruments. Typically, basses change their strings every 2 years.
How do I know when to re-hair my bow?
- Typically, All string instruments should re-hair their bow once a year.
How do I know when to stop renting and purchase my own instrument?
- The biggest indicator is when you move up to a full-size instrument. As students advance, owning a nicer instrument becomes apparent when the repertoire begins to be compromised by the ability of your rental instrument. (Tone, responsiveness, and instrument setup)This typically happens around 9th to 10th grade.
Can I join orchestra in the middle of the year?
- The answer is Yes. ISM holds auditions every year in January as well. Typically, it is the first Saturday after New Year’s Day.
Is it required to go on the competition trip?
- No, it is not required. Students that do go to the competitions experience a level of community with their group that the weekly rehearsals cannot recreate.
My instrument or bow needs a repair, what should I do?
- First, reach out to your child’s Orchestra Teacher. Your Teacher can quickly assess if they can assist or if the instrument may need to be swapped for a different instrument. Larger repairs are taken care of by Baroque Violin Shop which are covered under the BVS rental program’s free maintenance and replacement coverage.
Do you use a curriculum?
- YES. We developed a two-semester sequential curriculum and offer workshops, supplemental listening-links, & music reading tools to enhance the overall musical experience.
May Homeschool students participate in orchestra, chamber groups, and private lessons?
- YES! We welcome all students to participate and experience the Immanuel School of Music in all aspects: 6 levels of orchestral opportunities, chamber groups, private lessons, and ISM mentor program.
How often should I expect teacher communication?
- Orchestra teachers send weekly emails which include practice materials, class reminders, and concert information.
My child completed the year. What’s next?
- Immanuel School of Music has six levels of orchestras, summers programs, private lessons, and chamber ensemble opportunities. Immanuel School of Music promotes musical growth for all ages.
- Students who have advanced to Sinfonia reaudition yearly to continue their orchestral experience. Auditions are required when entering Levels 4, 5 or 6 (Concert Strings, YSO, Sinfonia).
Have additional questions? Contact: ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org
School of Music Policies
