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Crescendo Strings is a strings only ensemble for students in grades four through eight. This non-auditioned ensemble is designed to explore the advancing techniques of string playing. Membership is contingent upon registration, tuition, a teacher recommendation, and submission of a short screening etude.
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Grades 4-8
Crescendo Strings
The Junior Youth Orchestra of Lancaster
Directed by Mr. Francis Caravella and Mr. Robert Shaubach
​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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The Crescendo String Orchestra is a youth string ensemble for students in grades four through eight. This non-auditioned ensemble is designed to explore the advancing techniques of string playing. Membership is contingent upon registration, teacher recommendation, tuition payment, and submission of a short screening etude.
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Grades 4-8
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Crescendo
Fall Rehearsal Dates:
October 5
October 12
October 19
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 23
December 7
​Winter Concert - Sunday, December 14, 4:00pm at First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA 17602
Spring Rehearsal Dates:
January 4
January 11
January 25
February 1
February 8
February 22
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
April 12
April 19
April 26
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​Spring Concert - Sunday, May 3, 1:00pm at The Barshinger Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin & Marshall College, 620 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Schedule
The Crescendo String Orchestra will rehearse most Sunday afternoons from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and perform in two concerts. All rehearsals are held at First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
The 2025-2026 schedule is as follows: ​​​​​​​​​​​
Tuition
​Membership tuition for the Crescendo String Orchesta is $225. Tuition includes instruction at 21 rehearsals and two concerts, as well as an Allegro NextGen t-shirt, which serves as part of the ensemble dress code.
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For sibling discounts and scholarship assistance, please inquire at ceo.allegro@gmail.com.​
Attendance Policy
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Parents should make every effort to assure that their children attend all rehearsals. A lot of progress happens in each rehearsal, and one missing student affects the entire group.
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Legitimate excuses for missing rehearsal schedule such as illness, school performance conflicts, and family emergencies, will be approved at the discretion of the director.
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Any known conflicts should be communicated to the ensemble director and program director at least one month prior to the absence.
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Unexcused absences are not acceptable and may be grounds for removal from the orchestra.
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For a more comprehensive look at the NextGen Ensemble policies, click here.
Proficient - The student has a complete and thorough understanding of the concept and will generally perform the technique correctly and accurately when sight-reading. Little or no additional practice is required for mastery.
Proficient
Developing
Developing - The student has a fair to good understanding of the concept, but when sight reading, may stumble when attempting to use the specific technique. Some guidance and practice is necessary in order to achieve mastery.​
Crescendo Strings FAQs
Introductory
Introductory - The student has a vague understanding of the concept and will generally NOT perform the specific technique correctly when sight-reading. Additional instruction, practice, and much more exposure to the concept is required before mastery can be achieved.
When are rehearsals?
Most Sundays from 3:00-4:30 PM.
What instruments are in the Crescendo String Orchestra?
Violin, viola, cello, and bass.
How much experience must students have before joining Crescendo String Orchestra?
There are no minimum years of study required. However, students should meet the following musical expectations:
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Reads and performs basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter, eighths) AND dotted rhythms at a proficient level.
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Reads and performs in compound meters at an introductory-developing level.
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Reads, discriminates between, and correctly performs low/high 2’s (violin/viola), 2nd/3rd fingers (cello), and 2nd/4th fingers (bass) at a proficient level.
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Reads and performs in first position, with good intonation, on all 4 strings at a proficient level.
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Reads and performs high 3’s/low 1’s (violin/viola) and extensions (cello) at an developing-proficient level.
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Reads and performs in higher positions (3rd for violin; 2nd, 3rd, and 4th for cello; half, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th for bass) at an introductory-developing level (developing-proficient for first violins).​
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How do I join the Crescendo String Orchestra?
There are four steps that must be completed:
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Complete the registration form
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Complete a teacher recommendation form
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Submit a video performance of a short screening etude (linked here)
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Submit your tuition payment
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If Crescendo is a non-auditioned group, why must I submit a screening etude?
​It is the goal of our directors and the NextGen organization to make sure that everyone has a positive experience. The screening etude gives students and parents a clear idea of what is expected from the players, and provides directors with the assurance that students who register are performing at a level appropriate for the ensemble.
Is there financial assistance available?
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Sibling discounts for families with 2 or more students participating in Nextgen ensembles are available.
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Scholarship assistance is available for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch at school.
Questions?
Please contact Nextgen Program Director