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The Youth Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster
Directed by Dr. Brian Norcross and Mr. Francis Caravella
​Please read all attendance policies and review the rehearsal/performance schedule carefully before completing your registration and committing to perform with Nextgen.
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Allegretto is Nextgen's premiere ensemble, an elite chamber orchestra demanding the utmost musicianship and professionalism of students in a youth orchestra setting. Students in this ensemble receive guidance and instruction to perform standard repertoire and newly composed music at the highest level. Membership is contingent upon registration, successful audition, and tuition payment.
Grades 8-12​​​
Allegretto
Schedule
The Allegretto Chamber Orchestra will rehearse select Tuesday evenings from 7:15-9:15pm and select Sunday afternoons from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and perform in three concerts. All rehearsals are held at First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
The 2025-2026 schedule is as follows:
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Winter Rehearsal Dates:
Sunday, February 1st
Tuesday, February 3rd
Sunday, February 8th
Tuesday, February 10th
Tuesday, February 17th
Sunday, February 22nd
Tuesday, February 24th
Winter Concert:
Sunday, March 1, 3:00pm at
First United Methodist Church,
29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA
Spring Rehearsal Dates:
Sunday, March 29th
Tuesday, March 31st
Sunday, April 12th
Tuesday, April 14th
Tuesday, April 21st
Sunday, April 26th
Tuesday, April 28th
Spring Concert:
Sunday, May 3, 3:30pm at
Barshinger Center for Performing Arts, Franklin & Marshall College,
620 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA
Fall Rehearsal Dates:
Sunday, October 5th
Tuesday, October 7th
Sunday, October 12th
Tuesday, October 14th
Sunday, October 19th
Tuesday, October 21st
Fall Concert:
Sunday, October 26, 7:00pm at Barshinger Center for Performing Arts, Franklin & Marshall College,
620 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA
Tuition
​Membership tuition for the Allegretto Chamber Orchesta is $300 for the entire season (3 concerts), $250 for partial participation (2 concerts). Students must commit to at least two concerts to secure membership in the group. ​​​
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For information about financial aid, please click here.
Audition Requirements
Auditions for the 2025-2026 season will be held on August 23-25. 2025. Students and parents are encouraged to read all attendance policies and review the rehearsal/performance schedule carefully before completing your registration and committing to perform with Nextgen. All students will be emailed with an audition time once their registration has been received.​
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To audition for Allegretto, students should prepare/perform the following:
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A complete solo or a 2-3 minute excerpt of a solo that demonstrates their ability and how it corresponds to the technical abilities and expectations of the ensemble. This selection should demonstrate the student's best musicianship, technical virtuosity, and ability to perform advanced orchestral repertoire. Generally, this solo will meet or exceed those use for a PMEA District-level audition.
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An orchestral excerpt provided by the Nextgen Program Director. This excerpt will be sent upon completion of the registration process.
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A sight reading excerpt which will be provided during the audition.
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All students must audition each year they want to participate, regardless of previous participation. Being a member of an Allegro NextGen ensemble in one season is not a guarantee to be accepted again in a subsequent season. Returning and new students will follow the same audition process.
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Allegretto Chamber Orchestra FAQs
When are rehearsals?
Tuesdays and Sundays, according to the posted schedule.
Which instruments are in the Allegretto Chamber Orchestra?
Allegretto is designed as a typical 18th-century chamber orchestra. Auditions are available in each of the following sections:
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Woodwinds - Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
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Brass - French Horn, Trumpet
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Percussion - Timpani
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Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp
How much experience must students have before joining Allegretto Chamber Orchestra?
There are no minimum years of study required. However, students should meet the following musical expectations: ​
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Rhythm - Students should be expert on dotted and syncopated rhythms
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Meters - Students should be expert on simple and compound meters and mixed meters.
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Key signatures - Students should be proficient in all major and minor keys.
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Strings should be able to perform in all positions. Cellos should be familiar and competent with tenor clef.
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Woodwinds should be able to perform in all major and minor keys, with full range on their instrument. Clarinets should have access to an “A” clarinet. Bassoons should be familiar and competent with tenor clef.
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Brass should be able to perform in all major and minor keys, with full range on their instrument and be familiar and competent with transposition.
Is there financial assistance available?
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To keep Nextgen Youth Music accessible, we offer tuition assistance to participants who meet certain income qualifications. We base our tuition assistance program on the state’s Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced School Meals, which is updated annually.
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Participants whose families meet the qualifications for reduced school lunches are eligible to receive a 25% tuition cost reduction. Participants whose families meet the qualifications for free school lunches are eligible to receive a 50% tuition cost reduction.
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Returning Nextgen participants must re-submit qualifying materials annually to maintain eligibility for tuition assistance.
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Additionally, families with more than one child participating in Nextgen are eligible for a sibling discount of 12.5%, which will automatically be applied at billing.
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To inquire about your eligibility, reach out to Allegro’s Executive Director, Caroline Burns (ceo.allegro@gmail.com) or to Nextgen Program Directors Francis Caravella and Rob Shaubach (nextgenyouthmusic@gmail.com).
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What is the dress code for Allegretto musicians?
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Students in Allegretto should be prepared to all black: black shirt or top, and black bottom, pants, skirt or dress. If skirt or dress, knee length when seated. Black shoes and black socks if appropriate.