CWU Preparatory Strings Program

Getting Involved

Joining the Program

If you are interested in joining the Prep Program, here is some information you will need to know...

Registration and instrument rental forms for Fall 08 coming soon

Tuition for participation in any of the Prep Orchestras is $80/quarter (approximately 10 weeks). The Kittitas Valley Music Education Parents have graciously offered an $8 discount for each student enrolled. Discounts also apply to families with more than one student in the program. Please ask the Program Director for more information about tuition pricing.

Instruments may be rented through the Prep Program or a number of local music dealers. Rentals through the Prep Program will be made on a first come, first serve basis as instruments are available. The rental fee for violin/viola is $40 per quarter and for cello/bass, $30 per quarter. Instruments are due at the end of every quarter, or you may fill out a new rental agreement form to hold on to it over vacations.

Beginning, Silver, Gold Orchestras: Mondays and Fridays 4:00-4:45pm.
Debut Orchestra and KVYO: Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm.
All rehearsals take place on the first floor of Central Washington University’s music building.

Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from Prep Strings. Please arrange for prompt arrival and pick-up as our rehearsal areas are in a public building.

Each fall, we have a registration day where students may fill out paperwork and check out instruments. Students who have no prior experience playing an instrument are encouraged to join the program during fall quarter as the class progresses throughout the year. Students who have played a stringed instrument before may be able to join a group at any time during the academic year. Group placement is dependent on an audition (see below). If you are new to the program or have any questions please contact the Program Director.

Students must audition for all ensembles except Beginning and Silver Strings. Auditions are not meant to intimidate – just to ensure that the student is placed where he or she will best benefit and contribute. Students may opt to remain in the same level as the previous year without an audition. Auditioning students must prepare a scale and a short piece or excerpt that demonstrates their highest level of technical proficiency. Students may also be asked to sight-read. Higher ensembles may have specific exerpts to perform - check our homepage.

Debut Orchestra students must demonstrate the ability to shift out of first position (for example, a 2- or 3-octave scale that shifts into 3rd position). Students auditioning for KVYO should be comfortable with higher positions, demonstrate a full and controlled tone, and have a developing vibrato. Pieces equivalent to works from Suzuki Book 4 or higher are generally suitable to demonstrate these abilities. Interested wind, brass, and percussion students should contact the KVYO director. Please read more about the ensembles by following the "About Us" link in the left navigation bar.

Private instruction for all ages and abilities is highly encouraged as a supplement to participation in a Prep Orchestra. Individual guidance by highly experienced musicians allows students to progress at a much faster rate. The Preparatory Program does not offer private lessons, but recommends certain local private teachers. Many of these teachers are part of the Prep program staff and have many years of experience as music educators.
Private teachers list 07-08

Laughing Horse Youth Orchestra Festival