BKCM String Ensembles

Project Info

Project Description

Age: Approximately 8-15
Type: Ensemble
Term: Annual
Term Length: 28 sessions

Schedule:

  • Praeludium Strings: Sundays at 1:30
  • Sinfonia Strings: Sundays at 1:30
Duration: 50 minutes

Instructors:

  • Aaron Van Heyningen
  • Luis Mercado
Prior Experience: Audition required
Contact: aaron.vanheyningen@bkcm.org

SUNDAY STRING ENSEMBLES AT BKCM

BKCM offers two levels of string orchestras, Praeludium Strings, for the beginner reader, and Sinfonia Strings, for the more advanced reader, open to all students by audition. Placed by experience and age, students perform a variety of repertoire including everything from classical to pop and improvisation. Taught by BKCM Suzuki faculty, students expand their sight-reading skills, while developing the ability to follow a conductor, and play together. Students are encouraged to practice ensemble repertoire with their private lesson teacher. 

SCHEDULE

Praeludium Strings and Sinfonia Strings rehearsals are annual programs that run from September through June. 

Praeludium Strings: 1:30pm – 2:20 pm Sundays, led by Aaron Van Heyningen 

Sinfonia Strings: 1:30pm – 2:20 pm, Sundays, led by Luis Mercado

AUDITIONS

Praeludium Strings, the entry-level ensemble for students approximately ages 8-12, is open to musicians playing in late Suzuki book 1 or higher and are able to sight read at a basic level. Sinfonia Strings is for intermediate to advanced students, approximately ages 10-15, typically with previous ensemble experience. Placement in either is pending audition. Current Praeludium/Sinfonia players do not need to audition unless there is a question of appropriate placement. 

Auditions are September 10th from 1:30 to 2:30 pm.  For an audition or placement assessment, email aaron.vanheyningen@bkcm.org. 

CONCERTS 2023-24

Orchestras perform twice per year, in winter and spring, on Saturdays.

LOCATION

2023-2024 locations will be in the BKCM Concert Hall and at Roberts Field School, just up the street from BKCM at 84 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11217. 

2023-24 TUITION

$870 (weekly Sunday classes and two Saturday concerts that run September through mid-May), full schedule TBD. There is a 50% discount enrolled at BKCM for CMS or Suzuki private lessons. Financial aid is available. If you are not enrolled in any onsite BKCM programs, there is also a $40 registration fee. 

Registration Info

Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.

For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here

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