General Information

Prelude! is a 10-week program for students entering grades 1-5 who are interested in learning to play a string instrument in an ensemble setting. Students may choose from violin, viola, cello, and double bass, but only students in grades 3-5 can select double bass. Our Winter 2023 sessions starts January 8 – please register no later than December 21, 2022. For more information and class inquiries, please contact ensemble manager Myriam Bouti at myriam@vyo.org.

Conductor: Kathleen Kono
Ensemble Manager: Myriam Bouti, myriam@vyo.org
Rehearsals for Winter 2023 session: Sunday afternoons from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm at Elley-Long Music Center. January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 12, 19 (No rehearsal Feb 5 or Feb 26); March 5, 12, 19, 26.

If you are applying for Financial Aid, we must receive your completed registration information and Financial Aid application by December 21 to ensure consideration. Please email info@vyo.org to receive a Financial Aid application after you have registered for Prelude!.

Attendance Policy

The VYOA believes that full participation by all members of each ensemble leads to greater success and more fun!  Prelude! students are allowed 2 rehearsal absences per semester for illness or an unavoidable schedule conflict. If students must miss more than 2 rehearsals in a given semester, we ask them to come in and play for the conductor as a check-in to make sure they are keeping up with the pace of the course.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Annual tuition fees for participation in the VYOA vary. 2022-23 Prelude! tuition is $500.00. The cost of tuition includes the student’s 10-week instrument rental, method book, and musical training. Please note that tuition is non-refundable

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 qualifying families who wish to apply. Financial aid requests are due Friday, September 2, 2022. Please see the financial aid application for a list of materials needed to apply. 

Financial Aid Application