Intermezzo Strings

Intermezzo Strings FAQs

When are rehearsals?

Sundays 3:30-5:00 PM

What instruments are in Intermezzo Strings?

Violin, viola, cello, bass

How much experience must students have before joining Intermezzo Strings?

One year, and the ability to meet Intermezzo's musical expectations

How do we join Intermezzo Strings?

        There are 3 steps that must be completed:

        1 - Registration 

        2 - Recommendation by a teacher

        3 - Tuition payment must be received

What is the difference between Prelude and Intermezzo?

        For Nextgen’s non-auditioned ensembles, Prelude and Intermezzo, the most important factor to consider in placing a student is the age or grade level. Nextgen’s leadership believes that a positive youth orchestra experience involves, in part, the opportunity for students to rehearse and perform with their peers. Participation in a performance group combines social, as well as musical, components; life-long friendships can sometimes take root in this setting and these are best fostered when the players’ chronological ages and levels of social/emotional maturity are similar. Sixth grade is viewed as a transitional level, during which either group might be appropriate. In general, a young player will have a better experience if the repertoire being prepared is somewhat less challenging than what he or she may be studying with a private teacher. Nextgen’s overriding vision is to produce cohesive ensembles that play with joy, emphasizing musicianship and expression.  

Is there financial assistance available?

• Sibling discounts for families with 2 or more students participating in Nextgen ensembles are available.

• Scholarship assistance is available for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch at school.

What if the deadline for registration has passed?

        Please contact Sarah Ziegler, Nextgen Coordinator

Intermezzo Strings Musical Expectations

• Reads and performs basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter, eighths) AND dotted rhythms at a proficient level.

• Reads and performs in compound meters at an introductory-developing level.

• 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.

• Reads and performs in first position, with good intonation, on all 4 strings at a proficient level.

• Reads and performs high 3’s/low 1’s (violin/viola) and extensions (cello) at an developing-proficient level.

• 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).