Orchestra
Orchestrating Dreams offers different orchestras of varied levels and playing abilities. This ensures that all children are able to participate in our programming. Below you will find the different orchestras and their levels.
The orchestra repertoire reflects the diversity and inclusivity of its mission by embracing all forms of music, from traditional classical music to Latin music to pop music.
Students enrolled in Private lessons are required to participate in the Musical Foundations Program and Orchestra.
Washington Heights Youth Orchestra
Pre-Orchestra
WHYO entry level for beginners is the pre-orchestra. Students develop the coordination to follow the conductor, read music and learn to play their instruments.
Wednesdays | 5:00-5:30 PM
Orchestra
The intermediate orchestra students have been playing their instruments for 3 years on average and are learning to play in 3rd position, are able to read music with syncopations and minor keys.
Wednesdays | 5:40-6:25
American Youth Orchestra
AYO is tuition-free for all its participants. Each year we distribute over $60,000 in scholarships for students to receive instruments, lessons and orchestral training. Graduates have been accepted to prestigious music schools like Mannes, Rutgers, NYU, Queens College, Bard College, and music programs such as the Juilliard School of Music, Interlochen Arts Camp, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
AYO Level 1
AYO is open to musicians from other programs that want to be a part of an El Sistema Inspired community. Students in this ensemble are playing their instruments at grade level 2-3 and are mentored by high school and college students. Students need to be receiving private lessons in order to enroll. Students who do not have private teachers will be assigned one through our instrumental program.
Saturday | 1:00-4:30pm
AYO Level 2
This ensemble is comprised of high school musicians who are playing music at level 4 and beyond. Students at this level are playing at a high musical level and are receiving coaching to prepare for college auditions. Students need to be receiving private lessons in order to enroll. Students who do not have private teachers will be assigned one through our instrumental program.
Saturday | 2:30-5:30pm