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Mid-Valley 
Prelude Sinfonia
Mid-Valley 
Prelude Sinfonia
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All About Our Programs

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Class Descriptions and Schedules

We offer group strings classes from beginner to advanced, orchestra ensembles, and music production.

Find out more

Fees and Rental

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Information about class tuition and instrument rental fees.


Find out more

Registration

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Registration

Register now for summer 2022 classes.  Class descriptions are below.


Registration

Scholarships

Is My Child Ready?

Registration

Find out about our scholarship program and apply for a scholarship. We want every child to have an opportunity to study music.

Apply for a Scholarship

Instruments

Is My Child Ready?

Is My Child Ready?

We offer low-cost, quality rentals to our students. We also take care of school-owned instruments for some of our school-based programs.

Find out more

Is My Child Ready?

Is My Child Ready?

Is My Child Ready?

Read here for information about indicators of a child's readiness to study stringed instruments in a group setting. We find that 3rd-4th grade is about right for many children.


Find out more

Class Calendar 2021-2022

2021-2022 Holidays / NO classes

Oct. 4 FIRST DAY OF CLASS

Nov. 11 NO CLASS (Veteran's Day)

Nov. 24-26 NO CLASS (Thanksgiving break)

Dec. 20-31 NO CLASS (Winter break)

Jan. 17 NO CLASS (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

March 21-25 NO CLASS (Spring break)

May 27, 2022 LAST DAY OF CLASS

June 27-August 19 Summer Session

July 4 NO CLASS (Independence Day)


**NOTE: the classes held on school campuses will not take place on no-school days such as grading days and conferences. Classes held at Browsers' Bookstore will take place on these district no-school days. Link to GAPS Academic Calendar.4

COVID Information

UPDATED MASK POLICY BELOW

UPDATE March 13, 2022. The state indoor mask mandate has been lifted. In harmony with the school district and local and state guidelines, we will not be requiring masks in our classes. We respect the choice not to wear a mask and we fully support those who choose to wear one. Under no circumstances will we tolerate anyone bullying another for the choice to wear or not wear a mask.


Please continue to follow the common sense disease prevention measures below.

  • Please do not come to class if you are sick.
  • Please wash your hands regularly.
  • Maintain a safe distance in class. Please do not crowd other people. If you would like to continue to have your own music stand, make sure your instructor knows.
  • Wearing a mask is the simplest and most effective immediate measure to prevent the spread of respiratory disease.
  • Get vaccinated and boosted if you are able.


We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students and instructors. Because we work in a variety of school environments and a local business, you may be asked to follow additional safety measures. You will sign a COVID waiver when you register. Any additional or new state, local, and school district measures override this policy. We believe that if we follow health regulations and these guidelines that we can learn safely in a group environment.


We ask for your patience and understanding. Thank you!

Summer 2022 Classes June 27-August 19

Fun Summer Classes for Anyone!

We offer a variety of classes for many levels during the summer. This summer, we are excited to offer some new introductory classes in ukulele, guitar, piano, and electric bass. Classes range from one to six weeks in duration.  Classes are for youth ages 8-17 unless otherwise indicated.


View our complete class descriptions and schedule here

Register

Explore Classes

These classes are a four-day intensive introduction to violin, cello, and ukulele. No previous musical experience necessary. It’s a great way to see if an instrument is a good fit for a student before committing to longer study. Instruments are provided in class. Various instructors. $40

Group Beginning Classes

These classes are designed to introduce students to making music and playing an instrument. Choices are piano, acoustic guitar, electric bass, and electronic music production. You don’t need to know anything about music. Loaner instruments are available for use in most classes (included in the price) or you are welcome to bring your own. These classes meet twice a week for two weeks.  Adults-only sections are available for electric bass and music production.

Ukulele Classes

Ukuleles are fun, versatile instruments that are easy to learn and a great size for kids and adults alike. Bring your own uke or use a loaner in class (no rentals are available to take home.) Levels available are Explore, Basic, and Intermediate.

Fiddle Classes

For violin and fiddle players. Learn fiddle tunes from a real old-time fiddle player! Learning by ear is encouraged and sheet music is supplied as well. Two levels: Fiddle 1 for players who have had a year of classes or lessons already, and Fiddle 2 for more advanced players with two or more years of classes or lessons. 

Orchestra Ensembles

For violins, violas, cellos, and upright basses. These six-week classes are for serious players who want to improve their ensemble and technical skills throughout the summer. Music changes after three weeks so players can join in August.


Level UP! Orchestra for players who have completed Level 1 or one year of private study. Strengthen fundamental techniques and learn to play in an ensemble with different parts for each instrument.


Summer Orchestra for players who have completed Level 2 or two years of private study. We select multi-level pieces so there are 2-3 different levels of difficulty available for each instrument. Each player will get music that is at their level so it can be both fun and challenging. 

Themed Orchestra Classes

These are some of our most popular summer classes. Have fun with an intensive week of something really neat! One year of experience required (two years for Video Game Music).

  • National Anthem and Baseball 
  • Cello-Rama
  • Encanto!
  • Video Game Music

Learn Viola or Upright Bass

Viola and bass are both important and fun instruments that are easy to learn when you have the right skills already in place. Learn viola is for anyone with one year of experience on violin, even if you play another instrument currently. Learn bass is for anyone with one year of orchestra or band experience. Instruments are included.

  • Learn Viola
  • Learn Bass (limited class size)

Group Strings Classes (One year per level)

About Our Classes

 We teach students in group classes of 8-25 students. Classes include violins, violas, cellos and basses all together unless otherwise noted. Each level goes for eight months (October-May) and new students are accepted only at the beginning of the year. Most classes are before or after school. For 2021-2022, we have classes at North Albany Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, and South Shore Elementary, and our AYO Music School next to Browsers' Bookstore in Albany. 


These group orchestra classes are closed to new students for the year. Transfer students may be able to join. Please contact us for more information.

Level 1

For students 3rd grade and above who are just starting out, and for students who want to strengthen and improve their skills before advancing to the Level 2 class. Using the first Essential Elements book, you will learn the basics of playing your instrument, from correct posture to how to hold the bow, to forming notes on the fingerboard. Learning how to read music is introduced once students learn the basics of playing the instrument. Daily study of the class material at home is necessary to acquire the skills needed to play well. Instructors: Denver Speelman, Isaac Andrew, Julie Ritchey, and Jasmine Lumpkin.

 

  • North Albany Elementary: Mon & Wed 8:10-8:55am (Speelman) CLASS FULL
  • Oak Grove Elementary: Mon & Wed 8:10-8:55am (cellos) (Andrew)
  • Oak Grove Elementary: Tues & Thurs 8:10-8:55am (violins & violas) (Speelman) CLASS FULL
  • South Shore Elementary: Tues & Thurs 8:10-8:55am (violin only) (Lumpkin)
  • South Shore Elementary: Mon & Thurs 9:00-9:30am (violin only) (Ritchey) CLASS FULL
  • Browsers' Bookstore: Mon 3:15-4:00pm & Wed 2:15-3:00pm (Speelman) CANCELLED
  • Browsers' Bookstore: Tues & Thurs 4:15-5:00pm (Speelman)

Level 2

For students who have successfully completed Level 1 and are ready for new challenges. Using the second book in the Essential Elements series, you will finish learning all the notes on the fingerboard in first position, and playing in several different keys. Other techniques include more advanced slurring, complex rhythms, and a variety of time signatures.  Students who complete Level 2 successfully are ready to join Junior Orchestra to learn ensemble playing.  Instructors: Julie Ritchey and Denver Speelman.

 

  • South Shore Elementary: Mon & Wed 8:10-8:55am (Ritchey)
  • Browsers' Bookstore: Mon 4:15-5:00pm & Wed 3:15-4:00pm (Speelman)

Level 3

Level 3 class is for students who have successfully completed Level 2. Using the third book in the Essential Elements series, we will continue position work, advanced bowing techniques, and more challenging ensemble playing.  The techniques learned in Level 3 are essential to preparing for Chamber Orchestra. Instructor: Denver Speelman.


  •  Browsers' Bookstore: Tues & Thurs 5:15-6:00 pm (Speelman)

Youth Orchestra Ensembles

About the Ensembles

We have two ensembles for our students. These include all instruments, and each instrument plays a different part. These ensembles complement our group classes by focusing on ensemble playing skills such as listening to other instruments, playing differing notes and rhythms confidently, and following a conductor. 


We have a  2 for 1 deal for our ensembles. Students who are enrolled in Level 2 or Level 3 can join JO or CO for free!

Junior Orchestra

In Junior Orchestra, students learn and develop ensemble playing skills and continue to advance their technical skills on their instrument. NEW: NO AUDITION is required to join this group, but you need to have skills equivalent to those acquired in Level 2 to be able to play the music in this group.  If you can understand and play most of this music at a slow pace, you would be ready for Junior Orchestra. But remember, new for 2021-2022, there will NOT be any audition or playing test for Junior Orchestra. Conductor: Jasmine Lumpkin.


NEW DAY! Tuesdays 6:15-7:45pm at Browsers' Bookstore

Required Skills

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra is for the most advanced players.  The repertoire is challenging and FUN. Players must have prior experience in a mixed ensemble such as Junior Orchestra.  An audition is required to join, and all players must audition each year for placement.  Conductor: Denver Speelman.


NEW DAY Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm at Browsers' Bookstore

Audition Information

NEW! Music Production and Podcasting Courses

Music Production

We are VERY excited to add some totally new Music Production courses to our lineup, taught by our dynamic new instructor, Jasmine Lumpkin, who just completed her music production degree at OSU and has an extensive music background.  


Learn how to make your own music! Record tracks and use sampling, looping, and effects to express yourself artistically. Students will produce a finished, professional piece of music. Each course begins with a basic introduction to the tools and theory, then dives into project-based learning. These courses are open to any middle or high school student and you do not need any musical experience. Classes are held in a lab setting and we provide the equipment and software. We expect these courses to fill quickly. Each class is $156 ($78/month) which includes tuition and a lab fee.


There will be three 8-week courses. They can be taken in sequence, but a student does not need to take a previous course to register for a later one. Location: Browsers Bookstore.


Music Production 1: Connect to Your Inner Artist. Oct 4 - Dec. 3, 2021 (no class Thanksgiving week)

Music Production 2: Build the Technical Foundation. Jan 10 - Mar 4, 2022

Music Production 3: Push Your Boundaries. Mar 28 - May 20, 2022


  • Middle School (6th-8th grade) Section: Mondays 5:15-6:00pm & Wednesdays 4:15-5:00pm at Browsers' Bookstore 
  • High School (9th-12th grade) Section: Fridays 5:00-6:30pm at Browsers' Bookstore

Podcasting

Podcasts are a great way to explore your passion about something, talk to interesting people, and make connections that inspire others. Our podcast course, taught by our dynamic music production instructor, Jasmine Lumpkin, will explore podcasting from idea genesis to final product. In this course, you will learn about:

  • Identify an idea for your podcast and create a plan
  • How to script and conduct interviews that are natural and fun
  • Recording - the ins and outs
  • Production - how to make it stand out using music and studio techniques
  • Distribution of your podcast
  • Promotion of your podcast


This course is hands-on and project-based. Students will work individually and in teams using our lab equipment. Work will be required outside of class. This course is open to students 8th-12th grade and you do not need any musical experience.  The cost is $312 for the four-month course ($78/month) which includes tuition and a lab fee.


Wednesdays  5:15-6:15pm February 9 to May 25, 2022 at Browsers Bookstore

Registration Discounts

These courses are eligible for discounts to make them easier for our families to afford. 


  • Current 2021-2022 AYO orchestra students (in a Level 1, 2, or 3 class or in Junior or Chamber Orchestra) will receive a 50% discount for Music Production and Podcasting.
  • Bring a Buddy! Current 2021-2022 AYO students (including Music Production) will get FREE tuition for Music Production or Podcasting if your non-AYO friend takes the course with you! To be eligible, the friend must not be a student in any AYO course for 2021-2022 and must complete the course.
  • AYO Scholarship Program. We offer needs-based scholarships for all of our courses. To learn more and apply, please visit our scholarship page.


All discounts will be applied after registration. We will bill you when the course begins.

Register Now

Tuition and Rental Information 2021 -2022

Classes and Ensembles

Tuition for 2021-2022 will be billed monthly at least for the first semester in case of unexpected closures or a delayed start. Registration will not include payment; we will bill you only once classes actually start.

 ***South Shore Elementary classes are supported by grants and donations and are free to South Shore students.
 

All Orchestra Classes
$60 per month tuition only (no instrument or school-provided instrument)
$78 per month including a rental instrument


Music Production and Podcast Classes
$78 per month, includes tuition and a lab fee

2 for 1 Orchestra class deal: students who are enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 can join Junior or Chamber Orchestra for FREE.

Registration Form

Student Instrument Rentals

We have quality rental instruments available to our students. If you need to rent an instrument, please choose the $78 monthly option. If you have your own instrument or your school provides instruments, please choose the $60 tuition only option.


All instruments will be the same rate this year, including cellos and basses. Our goal is to make instrument choice as equitable for each student as possible.

Instrument outfits include instrument and bow, rosin, shoulder pad (violins and violas), endpin stop (cellos and basses), and case. You are responsible for all these items. When instruments are returned with missing items, we will charge you for replacement. If you break a string or lose something, we have affordable replacements available.  

Scholarships: Removing Barriers to Education

MVPS believes that music should be available to every child, regardless of that child's current family resources. Our scholarships are funded by generous donations from Gerald and Margery Koll, major supporters of the Mid-Valley Prelude Sinfonia and music in general, and by many other individuals who believe in the power of music for children. The scholarship provides a 50% discount on tuition and rental fees for the school year September-August, including the summer session. Scholarships are awarded to those demonstrating financial need and a motivation to learn.

Apply for Scholarship

Instrument Information 2021-2022

How do I get my instrument? Or return/exchange my current one?

Stay tuned for more information about picking up your rental or school instrument in late September. 

What happens when I break something?

When you get your school or MVPS instrument, you will sign a contract stating that you are responsible for your instrument. Please tell your instructor immediately if something breaks. You will need to pay for replacing or repairing the instrument or bow. We do many repairs in-house to keep costs down, but be aware that the standard replacement cost for a violin or viola is $200 and a cello is $600. If you break a string, you will need to purchase a replacement string.  


Bows which are dropped or overtightened and snap off the tips will need to be replaced. Bows regularly "shed" a few of the horsehairs, but if you break most of the hair, you will need to pay for a replacement bow from MVPS, which ranges in price from $20-$40 depending on instrument and size.  


Please contact us about repairs for our instruments. We will do our best to get the most affordable repair done. If you rent an instrument from a music store, you must take it to that store for repair. 

When should I buy an instrument?

Because most elementary students play on smaller-sized instruments, we recommend that you rent rather than purchase an instrument until the child has grown into a full-sized instrument. 


We recommend purchasing only from a reputable music store or dealer. Expect to budget at least $300 for a violin or viola and $500 for a cello. Quality used instruments can be found, but they should be checked out by a knowledgeable repair person before you purchase. We are happy to recommend local and online resources if you contact us!  


PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not purchase the cheap instrument outfits found at fairs and bazaars, major retail stores and online (i.e. violins/violas for $30-$100 or cellos under $300). There are too many brand names to list. Most are not playable due to poor quality and improper setup, you will spend more than what you bought it for to have someone make it playable, and these instruments have zero trade-in or resale value. In addition, your child may acquire poor playing habits trying to avoid bad sounds that are the fault of the instrument. 

Local Music Stores

Nancy Rohn Violins

301 SW 4th Ave., Suite 140, Corvallis OR 541-231-1724 Rentals, repairs, instrument sales, all accessories  


Windsmith Music

1305 Main St., Philomath 541-609-1672 Rentals, instrument sales, accessories  


Albany Music & Sound

805 Burkhart St. SE, Albany OR 541-967-8293 Basic accessories 

Is My Child Ready?

Information for Parents

Our program is open to children beginning in third grade. Traditional orchestra programs often start in fourth grade. Many children have acquired skills by third grade that they need to succeed in orchestra class, but some children acquire them later, even into fourth or fifth grade. Many fine musicians didn’t start until sixth or seventh grade. Here are some characteristics of children who are “ready” for orchestra:

  • Able to manage behavior independently, including staying in one place when asked, following directions, not talking in class without permission, and respecting the space of others. These are group classes and there is relatively little time for one-on-one instruction.
  • Able to focus on homework and tasks alone for several minutes at a time.
  • Fine motor dexterity. Able to tie shoelaces or do small buttons is a good test. This is important for placing notes on the strings, and an inability to control the individual fingers of the hand can contribute to a lot of frustration. It almost always resolves with time, so waiting a year or two is highly recommended.
  • Able to read at or near grade level. We will be learning to read and play from music in class. Playing by ear may work at first, but reading the music becomes necessary before the end of the first year. Children who benefit from help with reading in school or at home have a much higher success rate with orchestra when they have the same assistance available to them with music.
  • Remembers to do daily tasks such as brushing teeth without being reminded constantly. Children should be playing every single day, and while all children forget sometimes, being able to remember to practice without being reminded will result in much higher achievement.


Obviously, that would be the mythical perfect child, and we understand that kids are kids. However, if a child is still just developing several of the “ready” characteristics, we recommend waiting a year and reassessing. If a child is having difficulty consistently managing behavior and following directions, we may ask the parent to attend class.


We want to emphasize that our program is open to ALL students, not only the highest achievers!! Music has been proven to improve learning skills while providing an enriching personal and social experience. We ask parents of children who benefit from educational assistance at school to talk to us about what helps your child learn. Due to privacy laws, the school cannot release information unless the parents authorize it. It has been our experience that the accommodations that help a few students are often beneficial to many others as well.

Please Thank & Support our Sponsors

Mid-Valley Prelude Sinfonia is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide affordable strings education to youth in the greater Albany area. Mid-Valley Prelude Sinfonia receives support from the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts and is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon's arts, humanities and heritage and by the Linn County Cultural Coalition.


Copyright © 2021 Mid-Valley Prelude Sinfonia, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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