For the past 6 years the Louisville Youth Orchestra with the assistance and support of the Oldham County School system has offered string instruction for students in grades 1 through 5. For the 2007-2008 school year we are offering two classes after school on Tuesdays (the Presto Strings and Allegro Strings), and one class on Saturday mornings (the Sonatina Strings). All classes will be held at the Oldham County Arts Center. Instruction is for students wishing to learn to play violin, viola, or cello. We will also offer an entry level orchestra (the Serenade Orchestra) on Saturday mornings at the Oldham County Arts Center as well.

You may register your student for one of these classes by filling out the registration form on the back of this letter and mailing it along with your $50 registration fee to the Louisville Youth Orchestra, PO Box 997, Louisville, KY 40201-0997.  For more information on these programs please contact the LYO office at 502-896-1851.

Once we have received your registration you will be placed on our e-mail list so we may contact you about a summer parent meeting to discuss all aspects of the program and to measure your child for their chosen instrument. Our classes are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis so send your registration early to insure a spot for your child. Please read the class descriptions below to make a proper class selection.

Class Descriptions:

Presto! Strings
This class is for beginning string students in grades 1 and 2 (2007-2008 school year) who wish to learn the violin or cello. Music is taught through ear training using a modified Suzuki approach.  Students are required to purchase a CD in addition to renting their instrument.
Parent or other significant adult should plan to be present during class.    See registration form for details.

Allegro Strings
This class is for beginning string students in grades 3, 4 and 5 (2007-2008 school year) who wish to learn the violin, viola, or cello. Students will be required to purchase a string method book and music stand in addition to renting their chosen instrument. It is also the next level class after completion of Presto Strings.  See registration form for details.

Sonatina Strings
The Sonatina Strings is for students who have completed at least one year of string instruction and can read their first position notes on all 4 strings. The focus of this class is ensemble playing and more advanced string technique. This class is the next level for students who have completed Allegro Strings.  See registration form for details.

Serenade Orchestra
The Serenade Orchestra is by audition only and is for students who have demonstrated some proficiency with note reading in first position on all 4 strings and are comfortable with the basic technique of their respective instrument.