WILMINGTON SYMPHONY
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Our Mission:
The mission of the Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings is to enrich the lives of Cape Fear area youth by providing talented young string players with unique orchestral training and performing opportunities. 
UNCW's Cultural Arts Building
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Facts at a Glance:
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The director of the Wilmington Symphony's Junior Strings is Lisa Gattuso. She has been conducting this ensemble since 2018. Ms. Gattuso is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she received her Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2010 and her Master of Music Education Degree in 2014. She also received her National Board Certification in 2017. Ms. Gattuso has taught Orchestra and Guitar at Noble MS and Holly Shelter MS, and is now teaching Orchestra and Music Appreciation at Roland-Grise Middle School. This is her eleventh year working in New Hanover County and second year as Orchestra Lead for NHCS.
When outside of the classroom she performs with the Wilmington Symphony, Tallis Chamber Orchestra, plays violin for weddings and other private events, teaches a private instrumental studio, and loves to travel as much as possible. |
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MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES
The Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings is an educational program of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.
Membership: The Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings is intended to compliment the important educational experience of the individual's school music programs. Participation in both the Junior Strings and school ensemble is this program's cornerstone, and helps ensures maximum music ensemble benefit and practical performance experience for students.
Membership is open to all Cape Fear area youth in grades 6-8 (and 4th and 5th grades with consultation) who:
Auditions and Application: Audition date, music download and online application are here. Membership is for a year for those accepted in fall auditions and for a semester for those accepted at January auditions.
Tuition: Tuition is $75.00 per member per semester, and is payable at the start of each semester upon notification of acceptance in the Junior Strings, following a successful audition.
Scholarships: Scholarships may be granted to qualifying students, and are awarded on the basis of need. Working scholarships, in exchange for deferred tuition amounts, may be arranged by the Junior Strings Director. Scholarships must be applied for in writing immediately following notification of acceptance and prior to the first rehearsal.
Seating: For the fall semester, seating will be assigned at the time of audition. Seating may be rotated from time to time.
Music: No music deposit is required for each student before receiving a music folder. However, Junior Strings members are financially responsible for the music issued to them that is lost or defaced. Any marking in the music must be made lightly in soft pencil only. Music must be turned in: a) when requested by the conductor or youth orchestra manager; b) if you leave the orchestra, or c) at the end of the concert season.
Rehearsals: Musicians are expected to prepare rehearsal material at home. Rehearsals begin promptly at the announced time. Musicians need to be there at least 15 minutes before the rehearsal begins so they can warm up and tune. During rehearsals, you are expected to follow the directions of the music director, conducting staff, general manager and other volunteer coordinators. Musicians are also expected to help maintain a wholesome atmosphere while focusing on the orchestral training.
Rehearsal Schedule: Junior Strings: Thursdays 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Attendance: 100 percent attendance is important to make a rehearsal worthwhile for the orchestra as a whole. Attendance is taken. Excused absence is permitted in cases of illness, emergency, or special circumstances pre-arranged with the general manager. Three (3) tardies are considered equal to one absence. To be considered on time, musicians need to be in their seats with instruments ready when the concertmaster begins the tuning process. Musicians with more than two absences before a concert may be asked not to perform in that concert.
Concert Dress:
Membership: The Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings is intended to compliment the important educational experience of the individual's school music programs. Participation in both the Junior Strings and school ensemble is this program's cornerstone, and helps ensures maximum music ensemble benefit and practical performance experience for students.
Membership is open to all Cape Fear area youth in grades 6-8 (and 4th and 5th grades with consultation) who:
- submit an application
- participate in the Junior Strings audition process
- pay tuition
Auditions and Application: Audition date, music download and online application are here. Membership is for a year for those accepted in fall auditions and for a semester for those accepted at January auditions.
Tuition: Tuition is $75.00 per member per semester, and is payable at the start of each semester upon notification of acceptance in the Junior Strings, following a successful audition.
Scholarships: Scholarships may be granted to qualifying students, and are awarded on the basis of need. Working scholarships, in exchange for deferred tuition amounts, may be arranged by the Junior Strings Director. Scholarships must be applied for in writing immediately following notification of acceptance and prior to the first rehearsal.
Seating: For the fall semester, seating will be assigned at the time of audition. Seating may be rotated from time to time.
Music: No music deposit is required for each student before receiving a music folder. However, Junior Strings members are financially responsible for the music issued to them that is lost or defaced. Any marking in the music must be made lightly in soft pencil only. Music must be turned in: a) when requested by the conductor or youth orchestra manager; b) if you leave the orchestra, or c) at the end of the concert season.
Rehearsals: Musicians are expected to prepare rehearsal material at home. Rehearsals begin promptly at the announced time. Musicians need to be there at least 15 minutes before the rehearsal begins so they can warm up and tune. During rehearsals, you are expected to follow the directions of the music director, conducting staff, general manager and other volunteer coordinators. Musicians are also expected to help maintain a wholesome atmosphere while focusing on the orchestral training.
Rehearsal Schedule: Junior Strings: Thursdays 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Attendance: 100 percent attendance is important to make a rehearsal worthwhile for the orchestra as a whole. Attendance is taken. Excused absence is permitted in cases of illness, emergency, or special circumstances pre-arranged with the general manager. Three (3) tardies are considered equal to one absence. To be considered on time, musicians need to be in their seats with instruments ready when the concertmaster begins the tuning process. Musicians with more than two absences before a concert may be asked not to perform in that concert.
Concert Dress:
- Ladies: long black skirt or pants with white dress shirt with sleeves (and no open midriff); black shoes - no sandals.
- Gentlemen: Black pants and white shirt; black shoes and black socks.
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