The Rivers Symphony Orchestra at The Rivers Music School is a community orchestra for adults and students of all ages. Music School Director David Tierney, co-founder and former conductor of the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra, conducts this ensemble in weekly Monday-evening rehearsals.

Principal string chairs are filled by teaching faculty to assist less-experienced players as well as lead sectional rehearsals. Interested musicians should make an appointment through The Music School to interview/audition with the conductor.

There is no fee for this ensemble. Rivers Symphony Orchestra members receive a 10% discount on lessons and classes at The Music School.

The Rivers Youth Orchestras provide a comprehensive orchestral program that enriches the musical education of talented young musicians from the Greater Boston and MetroWest communities. Committed to high standards of performance, RYO provides outstanding training to musicians of all levels and ages. RYO performs 3 or 4 concerts per year, including a final concert at Jordan Hall in Boston. Musicians are expected to participate in their school orchestral program and take private lessons. Regular weekly attendance is required on Fridays, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Placement is by audition.

Rivers Youth Philharmonia
This orchestra provids orchestral training for advanced string players. Emphasis is on producing high quality performances and teaching sophisticated rehearsal techniques. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to rehearse and perform advanced orchestral repertoire and excellent sight-reading skills.

Audition Requirements:
• Two contrasting selections
• Three octave major scales through 4 sharps and 4 flats
• Sight-reading

Rivers Youth Sinfonia
This orchestra is a string orchestra for musicians who have acquired the skills necessary to rehearse and perform intermediate through medium-advanced string orchestra repertoire. Musicians should be able to use a variety of bow strokes, including detaché, staccato, spiccato, and legato. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with the first five positions, use of vibrato, and moderate sight-reading abilities.
Audition Requirements:

• Two contrasting selections
• Three octave major scales through 3 sharps and 3 flats
• Sight-reading

Rivers Preparatory Orchestra
This orchestra is designed for talented young string players. Rehearsals focus on sight-reading technique, rhythm, intonation, listening skills, poise in performance, extended concentration, expression, ensemble, and tone quality. Candidates should have moderate sight-reading abilities and demonstrate ease of playing in the first position.
Audition Requirements

• Two contrasting selections
• One or two octave scales of the musician's choice
• Sight-reading

Tuition: $625
* Tuition for these orchestras will be reduced by $100 for students studying privately at The Rivers Music School.