Overview

Presto opens the door to ensemble string playing for young musicians. Led by music 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.

  • Grades: 1 and up
  • Instruments: violin, viola, cello, and double bass
  • Conductor: Kathleen Kono
  • Ensemble Manager: Myriam Bouti

Requirements

Skills Expectations: Students interested in Presto should be in at least Grade 1 and 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.

Violin Sheet Music Example
Viola Sheet Music Example
Cello Sheet Music Example

Schedule

Rehearsals (2026-2027)

  • Sundays 1:30 pm–2:30 pm at Elley-Long Music Center
  • Beginning September 13, 2026

Concerts

  • November 1 at 2:30 pm, Elley-Long Music Center
  • Students may need to arrive as early as 12:30 pm for a dress rehearsal prior to the concert.

Attendance Policy

The VYOA believes that full participation by all members of each ensemble leads to greater success and more fun! Presto students are allowed one rehearsal absence per semester for illness or an unavoidable schedule conflict.

Tuition & Financial Aid

2026-2027 Presto Tuition: $165

Annual tuition fees for participation in the VYOA vary. 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 families who wish to apply. Click the button below to apply. Please contact our office for additional information or to receive a hard-copy of the Financial Aid application.

Apply

Register for Presto

  • Registration deadline: September 6, 2026

All programs have a non-refundable registration fee of $50, included in tuition.

Questions

Contact Myriam Bouti with any questions about registration.

Register

There’s nothing like the first day of Presto. For many students, it’s their first time in a group, learning to tune, to listen to the instruments around them, and to become part of an ensemble. I get to watch that happen every year, and their love of music grows right alongside their skills.

– Kathleen Kono, Conductor