Youth Orchestra

For young musicians who have mastered the basics of their instrument and are ready to play as an ensemble, in Sequim and Port Angeles.

A conductor leading young violinists and cellists in front of tall windows

What we expect

  • At least 3 years of classes (ours or school orchestra) or private lessons.
  • Basic posture, bow hold and instrument hold, mastered.
  • At least the G and D major scales.
  • Ready to focus through a 75-minute rehearsal (there’s a short break in the middle).
  • Ready to play alongside students who are mostly in middle school.

Where Youth Orchestra leads

  1. Years 4–6

    Youth Orchestra

    Full orchestral music with peers.

  2. Years 7+

    Sequim Community Orchestra

    A high-school-level community orchestra, for high school students and adults.

  3. Beyond

    Port Angeles Symphony

    Graduates of the SCO may choose to audition for the local symphony.

Your conductors

Christine Faught with her violin

Christine Faught

Sequim Youth Orchestra

Jesse Ahmann playing the cello

Jesse Ahmann

Port Angeles Youth Orchestra

Schedule & joining

Term dates, days off and every class are on the Classes page.

Youth Orchestra · Sequim

Ages 8–13 · Experience: 3+ yrs · Teacher: Christine Faught
When: Mondays, 4:15–5:30pm (75 minutes)
Prerequisite: At least 3 years of classes or private lessons.
Fall: Open with skills Winter: Open with skills Spring: Open with skills

Youth Orchestra · Port Angeles

Ages 8–13 · Experience: 3+ yrs · Teacher: Jesse Ahmann
When: Fridays, 3:30–4:45pm (75 minutes)
Prerequisite: At least 3 years of classes or private lessons.
Fall: Open with skills Winter: Open with skills Spring: Open with skills

Intermediate & Youth Orchestra · Sequim (Holiday Session only)

Intermediate and advanced, ages 7–13, plus adult students with appropriate skills · Experience: 1+ yrs · Teacher: Christine Faught
When: Mondays, 4:30–5:45pm (75 minutes) · Nov 30, Dec 7, 14
Prerequisite: Intermediate skills on a string instrument.
Holiday Session: Open with skills
Holiday Session details and registration

Interested in joining?

Email our registrar to talk about an audition. We’ll work with you to make sure your student is placed well, and find a good audition time.

Email the registrar

Questions families ask

Who is this ensemble for?
Students who have finished at least 3 years of classes (ours or school orchestra) or private lessons, and are ready to join classes with mostly middle school students. High school students are likely ready for the Sequim Community Orchestra instead. Not quite ready? Intermediate Strings is a great alternative.
May winds join?
In Port Angeles, yes. In Sequim, we’d like to keep the group to strings this year and add winds in the future.
Should my student take private lessons too?
Yes. It isn’t required, but we strongly encourage students to meet with a teacher one-on-one a second time each week. Private lessons are arranged directly with the teacher, outside these classes.
Where does Youth Orchestra meet?
There’s a Youth Orchestra in both Port Angeles and Sequim; see Schedule & joining for where and when each meets.
How much does it cost?
Like all our classes, $150 per term, with three terms a year (Fall, Winter and Spring) plus an optional Holiday Session; see Schedule & joining for dates. Scholarships are available, and no student is turned away for inability to pay.

Questions about registration? Email our registrar. registrar@sequimcommunityorchestra.org