Nova helps young string players develop their potential through serious ensemble work, public performance, collaboration, and a pathway toward solo opportunities.
Every member contributes to the ensemble and is encouraged to grow beyond their current level. Students may be considered for solo assignments when the repertoire matches their technical and artistic readiness. A solo is not guaranteed; it is a meaningful goal that students can work toward.
This season includes a planned December collaboration with the Great Lakes Philharmonic, Vivaldi's complete The Four Seasons in February, and a season-closing concert in July.
Rehearsals combine sectional work, score awareness, technical preparation, and full-ensemble playing. Students learn how individual preparation affects the sound, accuracy, and confidence of the entire orchestra.
Ensemble playing develops listening, responsibility, flexibility, and musical awareness. Students learn when to lead, when to support, and how their individual part contributes to a larger musical idea.
Public performances give students clear goals and meaningful stage experience. When a student is ready and the repertoire is appropriate, a solo assignment can provide an additional level of artistic and technical challenge.
Nova's season includes three public performances. Solo opportunities are assigned when the selected repertoire matches a student's technical and artistic readiness.
Ensemble membership does not automatically guarantee a solo assignment. Students who are not yet ready for a solo continue developing the ensemble, technical, and performance skills needed for future opportunities.
Nova students are planned to join the Great Lakes Philharmonic, a professional orchestra, for selected works in a festive programme for family and community audiences. This collaboration will allow young musicians to experience the rehearsal standards, concentration, and shared responsibility of performing alongside professional players.
The season's central project is Vivaldi's complete The Four Seasons. Students selected as soloists will prepare the solo violin parts, while the full ensemble will work on the substantial and demanding orchestral writing throughout the four concertos. The project gives every section meaningful musical responsibility and challenges students to develop stylistic awareness, rhythmic precision, ensemble flexibility, and stamina.
The final concert will bring together the musical, technical, and ensemble development achieved throughout the season. Repertoire and any additional solo assignments will be announced when confirmed.
Nova rehearses weekly, building the ensemble sound and discipline behind every performance.
Professional guest musicians are being invited to lead masterclasses for Nova students during the season. Details will be announced once the participating musicians and dates are confirmed.
Masterclasses will be selected to support the orchestra's current repertoire and the developmental needs of its members.
Applicants should normally have at least one year of consistent instrumental study and must be able to maintain an age-appropriate orchestral part. Final placement is based on the audition rather than years of study alone.
Nova welcomes students who study with Dr. Yeretsky or another qualified private teacher. Membership does not require private lessons with Dr. Yeretsky, and students are encouraged to continue working with their existing teachers.
Complete the form with the student's age, instrument, experience, and current musical work.
Dr. Yeretsky will contact the family personally to arrange a convenient time.
The student performs one piece from their current repertoire. The audition considers technical foundation, rhythm, listening, musical understanding, and readiness for ensemble work.
Accepted students receive information about placement, rehearsal expectations, repertoire, and the season schedule.
Tell me about the student's current experience and goals. I will contact you to arrange an audition and discuss whether Nova is the right next step in their development.
