New York Late-Starters String Orchestra (NYLSO)
NYLSO is something special. It was founded in early 2007 and grew out of a concept
developed by The East London Late Starters Orchestra (ELLSO), an award-winning
group in England. NYLSO is an amateur orchestra for adult players of violin, viola,
cello, and double bass. If you played a string instrument when you were younger and
would like to start again, or if you are learning as an adult and would like the chance
to play in a group, then NYLSO is for you! Our goal is to provide a fun, supportive
environment for adult beginner to intermediate players. We welcome anyone from
absolute beginner to rusty returner to adult firsts 18 to 80+ who wish to participate in
collective music-making.
Participants should have basic music reading skills and a willingness to commit to the
group, but are not required to audition. It is recommended that you have studied your
instrument for at least one year. If you have ever been paid to play your instrument,
recently earned any kind of degree in performance, or have been playing continuously
since elementary school, you may decide we are not the appropriate group for you.
How We Work: We know that New Yorkers are busy people. It is fine if you miss an
entire rehearsal period due to an emergency arises. Ultimately, though, too many
absences disrupt the function of the group and make it difficult to perform the pieces.
Sessions are in six-week rehearsal cycles, with two-hour rehearsals held once a week.
We work with the goal of producing one to three very informal 'friends-and-family'
concerts at the end of each cycle.
Our professional tutor/facilitator serves as coach and conductor during rehearsals.
Substitute conductors also join in to teach different sections, providing groups of
players with valuable experience in working with different approaches and styles.
Everyone is encouraged to play to their fullest potential, whatever that may be, but
please recognize that while we do have a conductor, her role is not to provide one-on-
one instruction during rehearsals.
NYLSO is a self-supporting collective; we do not receive any other funding. The cost
is $80 for each six-week cycle. Payments are applied to the costs of rehearsal space,
conductor's fees, and photocopying music.
Materials You Will Need At Rehearsals: You will need an instrument, a portable
music stand, and any other relevant accessories. You should bring a folder to keep
your music together and a soft-lead pencil with an eraser for writing in changes. Sheet
music is provided.
Statements:
1. The idea behind NYLSO was based on another orchestra.
2. NYLSO is a professional orchestra for adult players.
3. Participants must audition to join NYLSO.
4. An ability to read music is essential.
5. The rehearsals may be unsuitable for very advanced level musicians.
6. Rehearsals always involve the full orchestra playing together.
7. NYLSO rehearsals are held twice a week.
8. NYLSO aims to have one or two formal concerts per year.
9. The conductor provides one-on-one instruction to NYLSO.
10. Participants are required to bring their own music stand to rehearsals.
