SUMMER ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE
The LSYO Summer Orchestral Institute (SOI) brings together world-class performers and young orchestral musicians from across Northern Virginia for a week of music-making and orchestral study. As a member of one of our four SOI ensembles – Primo Strings, Concert Orchestra (formerly Intermediate), Chamber Strings*, and Woodwind Quintet* – each musician will work with professional conductors, coaches, and performers to hone their orchestral and ensemble skills.
Registration opens April 26, 2025.
LSYO’s 2025 Summer Orchestral Institute
July 20-25, 2025
Ashburn, VA
* LSYO will not be hosting a separate advanced institute this summer. We are offering NEW advanced options during our day institute:
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Advanced Chamber Strings: by audition only, due no later than June 15
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Woodwind Quintet: by audition/invitation only, due no later than June 1
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Open for the following instruments (one of each): flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon
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Refund Policy
Refunds will be given as follows:
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Refunds requested before July 17 will receive a 50% tuition refund.
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No refunds will be given after July 17.
Tuition
Primo Strings: $550
Concert Orchestra: $550 (additional $25 for percussion ensemble)
Advanced Chamber Strings: $650
Woodwind Quintet: $650
Register by July 5 to receive your free Institute t-shirt. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for purchase upon registration for those who register after July 5.
Audition Requirements
Audition Fee: $20.00 - non-refundable
For a musician who is already a member of LSYO:
If you are already a member of LSYO or have auditioned and been accepted for the 2025-2026 season:
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Musicians who have already auditioned for the 2025-2026 LSYO season and received a placement do not need to audition again for Summer Orchestral Institute. Your Institute placement will be determined by your 2025-2026 season audition.
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Current (2024-2025 season) LSYO Prelude String and String Orchestra musicians planning to attend the Primo Strings program do not need to audition.
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Current (2024-2025 season) LSYO Prelude String and String Orchestra musicians wishing to attend the Concert Orchestra program must audition.
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Current (2024-2025 season) LSYO Symphonic musicians planning to attend the Concert Orchestra Program do not need to audition.
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Current (2024-2025 season) LSYO Philharmonic or Symphonic members who wish to participate in the advanced groups (Advanced Chamber Strings and Woodwind Quintet) must reserve their place. Placements in the advanced ensembles are selective and seats are limited. Interested musicians are encouraged to apply early as these ensembles will fill quickly.
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Contact Dr. Hudicek for more information: laurie.hudicek@loudounsymphony.org with any questions about auditions or placement.
If you are currently an LSYO member and do not require an audition, click here to register. (Link will open on April 26.)
For a musician who is not a member of LSYO:
If you are not currently a member of LSYO or have not been accepted for the 2025-2026 season:
All musicians not currently in LSYO must audition. After learning the requirements, click on the button below to register for an audition. Upon payment of the audition fee, you will receive a link to upload your audition. While most students are accepted into the program, this will help with placement in the ensemble best suited to your skill level.
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To audition for Primo Strings and Concert Orchestra:
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Musicians should submit a video recording of one solo that best demonstrates their technical and expressive performance ability.
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Primo String and Concert Orchestra auditions are due by July 1.
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To audition for Advanced Chamber Strings or Woodwind Quintet:
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Musicians should submit a video of 2 contrasting solos or excerpts that demonstrates their full range on their instrument, as well as technical and expressive performance ability.
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You will also be asked for more detailed information on your experience. Private instructors will be contacted directly for recommendation if needed.
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Woodwind Quintet auditions are due by June 1, if the ensemble spots are not already filled.
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Advanced Chamber Strings auditions are due by June 15, if the ensemble spots are not already filled.
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(Link will open on April 26.)
Deadlines
Tuition is due two weeks after you receive your notification of acceptance, or by July 17, whichever is earliest.
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June 1: Woodwind Quintet auditions are due.
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June 15: Advanced Chamber Strings auditions are due.
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July 1: Primo Strings and Concert Orchestra auditions are due.
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July 17: Deadline to request tuition refund (see policy below).
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July 20: First day of Summer Orchestral Institute.
Woodwind Quintet
Coach TBA
This selective ensemble requires an audition or invitation. The ensemble consists of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon. If your instrument is not in the drop-down menu on the audition form, that slot is no longer open. You may submit an audition for the waitlist.
Students must have at least 2 years in an ensemble on their instrument and a minimum of 4 years of study.
Members will support the main ensembles (Primo Strings and Concert Orchestra) as players and mentors where needed. Members receive one private lesson, 3 or more coaching sessions, independent rehearsal time when needed, and a performance in the final concert.
LSYO's SUMMER ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE 2025
Sunday, July 20 - Friday, July 25, 2025
Ashburn, VA
Location to be announced soon!
Schedule
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Sunday, July 20
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5:15 p.m.: Check-In
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5:30 p.m.: Welcome to all participants and overview of the Institute
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6:00-7:15 p.m.: First rehearsal for Primo Strings and Concert Orchestra
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Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
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8:45-8:55 a.m.: Drop-off
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9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Rehearsals, clinics, and enrichment activities
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Friday, July 25
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8:45-8:55 a.m.: Drop-off
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9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Rehearsals and enrichment activities.
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2:00 p.m.: Closing Concert* (Note: This is earlier than in past years.)
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*This is a ticketed event. All SOI participants will receive 2 complimentary tickets for family and friends. Children 12 and under are free.
Questions about our Summer Orchestral Institute can be directed to Dr. Laurie Hudicek, Director, Educational Programming and Community Engagement, laurie.hudicek@loudounsymphony.org.
Primo Strings
Sarah Geiger
Conductor
Beginning string musicians of all ages with a minimum of one year of private or ensemble experience are invited to join us for a week of ensemble music exploration and performance.
The week revolves around orchestra rehearsal and preparation for a final concert. In addition to the formal rehearsals and sectionals, musicians will enjoy fun ensemble-oriented enrichment classes, learn audition skills and instrument care, and socialize with other musicians.
Current LSYO String Orchestra and Prelude String members do not need to audition. All other musicians are required to submit a virtual audition prior to registration.
Sectional Coaches
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Signe Mortensen
Enrichment Instructors
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TBA
Concert Orchestra
Samantha Oakley
Conductor
Young orchestral musicians of all ages with at least two years of ensemble experience are invited to join us for a week of orchestral music exploration and performance.
The week revolves around orchestra rehearsal and preparation for a final concert. In addition to the formal rehearsals and sectionals, musicians will enjoy fun ensemble-oriented enrichment classes and time to socialize with other musicians.
Current LSYO Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestra members do not need to audition. All other musicians are required to submit a virtual audition prior to registration.
Sectional Coaches
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TBA
Enrichment Instructors
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TBA
Advanced Chamber Strings
Sarah Geiger
Coach
Advanced string players, grades 7-12, are invited to audition for this small advanced ensemble. At least 5 years of study and 3 years of ensemble experience are required.
Members will support the main ensembles (Primo Strings and Concert Orchestra) as players and mentors where needed. Members receive one private lesson, 3 or more coaching sessions, practice time as a group, and a performance in the final concert.
Sponsor our Summer Orchestral Institute
Does music matter to you? We invite you to support our young musicians who will be participating in the Summer Orchestral Institute. Click here to download a sponsorship form. Payments and artwork must be received by July 1, 2024 to be included in the program.
Listen to performances from
the 2024 Summer Orchestral Institute Concert
Advanced Honors Orchestra
Finlandia, by Jean Sibelius
Performed with members of the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Hayden Denesha, Conductor
Primo Strings
Fox Went A-Fiddlin’ (traditional folk song, arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle)
G Street Rock, by Katie O’Haae LaBrie
Pieces of Eight, by Richard Meyer
Ring of FIre, by Katheryn Griesinger
Sarah Geiger, Conductor
Intermediate Orchestra
Ancient Aires and Dances, by Ottorino Respighi (arr. J. Brubaker)
Blue Skies, by Irving Berlin (arr. V. Lopez) Blunderbuss Battles, by Ralph Ford
Robby Carroll, Conductor
Percussion Ensemble
Aaron Bertoglio
Coach
New enrichment opportunity!
All middle- and high-school members of the Summer Orchestral Institute are invited to participate in this ensemble in addition to their main ensemble.
$25 fee to enroll. Spots are limited.