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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

Marble Surface

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Overture is a full symphonic orchestra for students in grades eight through twelve. Through demanding music and high quality instruction, students will develop advanced abilities on their instruments, as well as an understanding of how to perform in a full orchestra setting. Membership is contingent upon registration, successful audition, and tuition payment.

 

Grades 8-12

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The Youth Symphony of Lancaster
Directed by Mr. Scott Kaliszak and Mr. Anthony Scheuerman

​Please read all attendance policies and review the rehearsal/performance schedule carefully before completing your registration and committing to perform with Nextgen. 

Overture

Registration closes August 13, 2025
Schedule

Schedule

The Overture Symphonic Orchestra will rehearse select Tuesday evenings from 7:15-9:15pm and select Sunday afternoons from 2:30pm 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, 7:00pm 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, 2:00pm at Barshinger Center for Performing Arts, Franklin & Marshall College,

620 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA 

Tuition

Tuition

​Membership tuition for the Overture Symphonic 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 sibling discounts and scholarship assistance, please inquire at ceo.allegro@gmail.com.​

Audition Requirements

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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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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To audition for Overture, students should prepare 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. If students are unsure which solo to prepare, here is a list of possible suggested string solos piece collections. Solos from higher level volumes of these collections would also be acceptable. Sight reading will also be part of the audition.

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  • Violin

    • Solos for Young Violinists Volume 2 - Barbara Barber, Published by Summy-Birchard

    • Solo Time for Strings Book 2 - Etling

    • Suzuki Book 3

    • Masterworks for the Young Violinist - S. Applebaum

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  • Viola

    • Solos for Young Violists Volume 2 - Barbara Barber, Published by Summy-Birchard

    • Solo Time for Strings Book 2 - Etling

    • Suzuki Book 3

    • Classical Highlights - K. Mitchell, Published by Schirmer 

 

  • Cello

    • Solos for the Intermediate Cellist - D. Kelley, Published by Last Resort 

    • Solo Time for Strings Book 2 - Etling

    • Suzuki Book 3

    • Solos for Young Cellists Volume 2 - Carey Cheney, Published by Summy-Birchard

 

  • Bass

    • String Festival Solos Volume 2 - S. Applebaum

    • Festival Performance Solos Volume 1 - A. Balent

    • Progressive Repertoire for the Double Bass Volume 1 - G. Vance

    • Solo Time for Strings Book 2 - Etling

FAQ
Overture Symphonic Orchestra FAQs

When are rehearsals?

Tuesdays and Sundays, according to the posted schedule.

 

Which instruments are in the Overture Symphonic Orchestra?

Overture is a full symphonic orchestra. Auditions are available in each of the following sections:

  • Woodwinds - Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone

  • Brass - French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba

  • Percussion - Timpani, Multiple Percussion

  • Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp

 

How much experience must students have before joining Overture Symphonic Orchestra?

There are no minimum years of study required. However, students should meet the following musical expectations: 

  • Rhythm - Students should be proficient on dotted and syncopated rhythms

  • Meters - Students should be proficient on simple and compound meters. Students should have introductory experience in complex or mixed meters.

  • Key signatures - Students should be proficient in major and minor keys that have up to 3 sharps or flats. Students should have basic understanding of keys with 4 sharps or flats.

  • Shifting (Strings) -

    • Violin: students should be proficient in 3rd position and have introductory ability in 5th position

    • Viola: students should be proficient in 3rd position

    • Cello: students should be proficient in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th positions

    • Bass: students should be proficient in 1/2, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th positions

  • Percussion - students should be proficient on timpani and/or mallets and/or battery and snare.​​​​

 

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.

 

Questions?

        Please contact Nextgen Program Director

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