From the Modified Suzuki Program for beginners through four progressively challenging orchestras for experienced students, the Lakeland Youth Symphony has a music program for everyone. The programs include once per week rehearsals, several concerts, and opportunities for musical workshops and performance trips. The season runs from September through July.
Entry to the Lakeland Youth Symphony is by audition, except for beginners, where no prior music experience is required. Beginners as young as five enter the Lakeland Youth Symphony at the Suzuki level. This is a two year program that has been developed and modified over a twenty year period in order to achieve the best results. The program was developed by Lakeland's own Music Director, Debra Short Seftel, who continues to teach the program today. The goal is to make music another language for the young child, fostering an enjoyment and appreciation of the music while developing their skills.
The auditioning
student and Suzuki graduates continue their musical
education through two levels of orchestra, the
Prelude Orchestra and the Junior Orchestra. As the
student's talent and experience grows, the
Intermediate and Senior Orchestras are offerred.
Auditioning students are placed in an orchestra
that will provide the right level of challenge for
their skills.
Programs