Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra

 

Ruth Erbe, Conductor

Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra (WMCO) is a string orchestra intended for students in the 6th through 9th grades who perform at an intermediate level. WMCO offers students the opportunity to play in an accomplished orchestra while developing their music skills and serves as a developmental orchestra for Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (WMYO). The primary goal of WMCO is to offer students the opportunity to further their musical abilities through performance and collaboration.

Repertoire includes selections from the Classical, popular, and modern genres. Through a variety of music selections, students heighten their understanding of rhythm, dynamics, intonation, quality of sound, and overall musicianship.

WMCO will begin its second season in September 2009 and will continue through the end of May. Rehearsals will be held every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Tuition for the 2008-09 concert season is $400.00. WMCO will perform three concerts per season.

Upon acceptance into the WMCO, musicians are expected to:

  1. Attend all weekly rehearsals
  2. Come to rehearsals prepared to perform their best, having practiced individual parts outside of rehearsal.
  3. Attend dress rehearsals and concerts as outlined in the schedule.

Principal Chairs

Principal chairs are open to any qualified musician regardless of age or seniority at the beginning of the season. Audition performance and leadership skills are taken into consideration when selecting a principal. Auditions for principal chairs are conducted as appropriate by the Music Director.

Tuition

Tuition for the WMCO 2009 -20010 season will be $400.00.  Upon acceptance into the orchestra, a non refundable deposit of $200.00 is required. The deposit acknowledges acceptance into WMCO and holds the student’s place in the orchestra. The balance of the tuition is due no later than the first rehearsal of the 2009-20010 season. Failure to pay either the deposit or the balance may result in the withdrawal of membership into the WMCO. Need-based scholarships are available upon request and/or alternative payment plans can be arranged.