The Conservatory

Preparatory Strings

Debut Strings

Concertino Strings

Chamber Strings

Junior Sinfonia

Conservatory Sinfonia

Calgary Youth Orchestra

MRU Wind Ensemble

Orchestra Registration Information

Preparatory Strings  

Preparatory Strings offers an exceptional opportunity for young musicians to develop their ensemble skills in a supportive environment. This is the entry-level ensemble for strings.Members with no prior orchestral experience will usually start in this group. The orchestra concentrates on basic orchestra skills. Participants should usually be between 7 - 12 years old and have a minimum of 2 years playing experience.

- Ages 7-12 with 2 years experience on instrument
- Minimum RCM Grade 1 or complete Suzuki Book 1 level
- Student must be able to read music - sight reading is a regular component of rehearsals

Please note: An audition is required before registering for this ensemble. Please click on the button below for audition information for the 2024-2025 season.

For more information on auditions or audition requirements for Prepatory Strings please contact Aine Kay Sison

Conductor: Christina Visy

Debut Strings  

This orchestra offers an exceptional opportunity for young musicians to develop their ensemble skills in a supportive environment. Students generally require at least one year of previous ensemble experience in an ensemble such as Preparatory Strings to be eligible for the Debut Strings. Orchestra members will benefit from further ensemble skills in preparation for Concertino Strings, Chamber Strings, Junior Sinfonia or the Conservatory Sinfonia.

- Ages 7-12 with at least 2 years experience on instrument
- Previous ensemble experience required with generally at least one year experience
- Student must be able to read music - sight reading is a regular component of rehearsals

Please note: An audition is required before registering for this ensemble. Please click on the button below for audition information for the 2024-2025 season.

For more information on auditions or audition requirements for Debut Strings please contact Aine Kay Sison

Conductor: Susanna Walker

Concertino Strings 

Concertino Strings is a small orchestra for students (generally 12 & under) who will benefit from detailed training. Members usually have at least 2 years of orchestral training in ensembles such as Preparatory Strings or Debut Strings. Orchestra members will benefit from further ensemble skills in preparation for Chamber Strings, Junior Sinfonia, and/or Conservatory Sinfonia.

- Ages 8 - 12 with at least 2 years experience on instrument
- Players in Concertino Strings will generally have at least 2 years of ensemble experience.
- Players in Concertino Strings should be playing at an intermediate level
- Student must be able to read music - sight reading is a regular component of rehearsals

Please note: An audition is required before registering for this ensemble. Please click on the button below for audition information for the 2024-2025 season.

For more information on auditions or audition requirements for Concertino Strings please contact Aine Kay Sison.

Conductor: Susanna Walker

Chamber Strings

Chamber Strings is a small orchestra for students (generally 12 & under) who will benefit from detailed training. Members usually have at least 2 - 3 years of orchestral training in ensembles such as Preparatory, Debut, or Concertino Strings. Orchestra members will benefit from further ensemble skills in preparation for Junior Sinfonia, and/or Conservatory Sinfonia. Most players have at least 2 - 3 years of orchestra training in Debut Strings, Concertino Strings or equivalent.

- Ages 8 - 12 with at least 2 years experience on instrument
- Players in Chamber Strings will generally have at least 2-3 years of ensemble experience.
- Players in Chamber Strings should be playing at an intermediate level or higher
- Student must be able to read music - sight reading is a regular component of rehearsals

Please note: An audition is required before registering for this ensemble. Please click on the button below for audition information for the 2024-2025 season.

For more information on auditions or audition requirements for Chambers Strings please contact Aine Kay Sison.

Conductor Chamber Strings: Christina Visy

Junior Sinfonia

Junior Sinfonia is a more advanced ensemble welcoming string players aged 12-17 years with some previous experience in ensembles such as Concertino and/or Chamber Strings, strong reading skills, and an enthusiasm for creating music with others!

- Ages 12-17
- Players in Junior Sinfonia should be playing at an intermediate level or higher
- Student must be able to read music - sight reading is a regular component of rehearsals

Please note: An audition is required before registering for this ensemble. Please click on the button below for audition information for the 2024-2025 season.

For more information on auditions or audition requirements for Junior Sinfonia please contact Aine Kay Sison.

Conductor: Christina Visy

Conservatory Sinfonia  

Conservatory Sinfonia is an award-winning ensemble for advanced string players ages 12 to 16. This orchestra performs music from professional repertoire and a high degree of commitment is expected. In addition to weekly rehearsals, players participate in an annual workshop with a guest conductor. Formerly known as Conservatory Strings, the ensemble has produced two CDs and have been recorded by the CBC. 

• Ages 12 - 16 
• Players in Conservatory Sinfonia should be playing at an advanced level 
• Student must be able to read music - sight reading is a regular component of rehearsals

Please note: An audition is required before registering for this ensemble. Please click on the button below for audition information for the 2024-2025 season.

For more information on auditions or audition requirements for Conservatory Sinfonia please contact Aine Kay Sison.

Conductor: Chris Sandvoss