Vermont Youth Chamber Winds

Vermont Youth Chamber Winds

“Chamber music is such a special venue of music. Imagine having your own (instrument’s) voice blend with other harmonies and voices, yet one can clearly hear individual players? Another wonderful aspect of chamber music is that it allows players to communicate without words. I enjoy watching students rise to new skill levels of listening and technique that is demanded from playing in an ensemble. Its a unique and wonderful way to make music and prepare for orchestral playing.”

- Berta Frank, Director

General Information

VYCW is a program of chamber music ensembles for all woodwinds (including saxophones), brass, and percussion players. Students are offered professional coaching in small groups that meet on a weekly per-semester basis. VYCW begins each semester with a workshop and presents two concerts annually.

Rehearsal: Saturday mornings. VYCW Ensembles meet at different times. Below are the ensemble rehearsal times beginning on January 28. Please make a note of your rehearsal time!

10am – 11am:  Brass Ensemble with Yutaka Ono
10an – 11am:  Beginner flutes with Betsy LeBlanc
11am – 12pm:  Sax Ensemble with Tony Petracola
11am – 12pm:  Clarinet Quartet with Betsy LeBlanc
11am – 12pm:  Flutes & Oboe with Katie Oprea
12pm – 1pm:   High School Flute Quartet & Piano (beginning in February) with Betsy LeBlanc

The VYCW Saxophone Ensemble meets weekly on Saturdays at 11:00 beginning January 28, 2012.  For more information about the Saxophone Ensemble (including calendar, fees and registration) please contact Tony Pietricola at tonyvje@gmail.com or Berta Frank, director of the VYCW program: berta@vyo.org

Auditions & Registration

Auditions are held annually in May at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael’s College. New students interested in joining the VYCW are welcome to audition during this period.  Current members must audition in order to participate in the organization each season.

Click here for more information on auditions
Download the 2011-2012 registration packet
Download the 2011-2012 information packet

Attendance Policy

The VYOA attendance policy recognizes that events such as school, sports, and family activities may conflict with VYOA rehearsals and that illnesses occur. Compliance with the VYOA school music participation policy may also cause students to miss rehearsals.

VYCW students are allowed no more than 2 absences per semester. Students / parents must contact their chamber coach regarding any rehearsals that must be missed. The success of each VYCW chamber group is dependent upon the full participation of all members.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Annual tuition fees for participation in the VYOA instrumental and choral programs vary. For the 2011-12  season, tuition rates ranged from $350  for Vermont Youth Chamber Winds to $1475 for the Vermont Youth Orchestra (including participation in the week-long residential Reveille! Music Festival). Please note that tuition is non-refundable. The tuition fees for each ensemble program are announced in June and published in the VYOA Handbook given to each student at the beginning of each concert season.

Financial Aid: The VYOA believes strongly that no child should be discouraged from participating due to financial need. Need-based financial aid is available to all families who wish to apply. Please contact our office for additional information on Financial Aid options.

Download the financial aid application