All large ensembles rehearse once a week for 30 weeks and perform several concerts throughout the year at NEC. Repertoire is chosen from a variety of periods and styles and is suited to the proficiency level of the participants. Emphasis is on the highest quality of performance and the development of ensemble technique. In recent years, tours (both national and international) have become an integral part of the program for the more advance d orchestras and wind ensembles.
For more information about specific ensembles, please choose an option from the menu at the left including orchestras, wind ensembles, percussion ensemble, baroque ensembles, jazz ensembles and choruses.
Fall Auditions
A limited number of audition spaces may be available for new students interested in joining a large ensembles. Ensemble placement preferance is given to students who audition in May so all students are strongly encoraged to audition in May. However if you missed the May audition or are new to the area, then please call 617-585-1130 for more information. Auditions will take place the weekend of September 8-9, 2012. During this weekend we will also hold placements for studio teachers, chamber music ensembles and classes as well as entrance auditions for the Scholarship Brass Quintet. Please contact the Preparatory School at 617-585-1130 beginning August 15, 2012 for further information and to sign up for fall auditions.
Seating/placement auditions for new and returning members already placed in ensembles will also take place during the fall audition weekend. Beginning August 15, students already placed in an ensemble should sign up for their seating auditions online- use the manage my account login on the right had side of the auditions webpage. For ensemble specific seating audition requirements please consult your ensemble’s webpage after August 15.
Spring Auditions
Students are placed in Large Ensembles through personal auditions (which may be videotaped) held in May. Students will audition in May 2013 for the 2013-2014 Large Ensembles. Sign-up for auditions begins online March 15, 2013. You can sign up at online by visiting the spring audition link below. Please call (617) 585-1128 for more information or email Lisa Husseini.
Performance Tours
The Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Youth Symphony, Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble, and Piano Department tour on a biannual basis. These performance tours offer unforgettable musical and cultural experiences to the students. Since 2005, these groups have toured Costa Rica, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Germany, China, Greece, Great Britain, Austria, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, Austria, Hungry, Poland and France .
Check out the Preparatory School Blog for posts from NEC Prep Tours.
During the Summer of 2013, both the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra will tour Argentina and the Youth Symphony will tour England.
2012-08-11
JOHANNES BRAHMS