Registration for Fall 2026 is now open!
Presto opens the door to ensemble string playing for young musicians!
Led by musical education luminary Kathleen Kono, students learn to play in a group, building listening and reading skills, and working together to polish a final performance for family and friends.
General Information
Conductor: Kathleen Kono
Ensemble Manager: Myriam Bouti
Tuition: $165, financial aid is available
Rehearsals: Sundays, 1:30 pm–2:30 pm at Elley-Long Music Center
Presto Fall 2026 rehearsals are on the following Sundays:
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 25 (no rehearsal on October 18)
November 1
The concert is on Sunday, November 1 at 2:30pm (with a dress rehearsal at 1:30pm) at Elley-Long Music Center.
Attendance Policy: Presto students are allowed one rehearsal absence for the Fall session. An additional absence may result in the student not performing in the concert.
Skills Expectations: Students interested in Presto should have at least one year of experience in weekly private lessons or weekly school orchestra class, and be able to recognize notes on the A and D strings.
Please see the sheet music below as examples of the skills needed to be successful in Presto. If unsure about student’s music reading level, show the sheet music to your private or school orchestra teacher.
Registration
Please register no later than September 4, 2026. Contact Myriam Bouti at myriam@vyo.org with any questions.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid: The VYOA is committed to ensuring that no child is discouraged from participating due to financial circumstances. Need-based financial aid is available to all qualifying families with a combined household income up to $120,000 who wish to apply. You can find the 2026-27 online financial aid application here.
Additional questions can be emailed to myriam@vyo.org
A word from the Presto conductor:
“Hello Presto players! My name is Kathleen Kono and I am excited to return for another year of 
Presto! Together we will learn how to play as an orchestra with new friends that play violins, violas, cellos and basses. At the end of the session, we will perform an amazing concert for all your family and friends. Please join us, and get ready to have some fun playing music together! I can’t wait to meet you!”
