Who are we?
Skill level: Beginner
This ensemble serves late elementary and middle school age musicians, but younger and older students are welcome to join based on skill level. NVS teaches students the basics of ensemble performance and what it means to be involved in the orchestra. To join, students are required to have at least one year of experience playing their instrument, have completed Suzuki Book 1 or equivalent, and possess basic music reading skills.
Breana Keen, Symphonettes Director
Breana’s musical journey began when she was four years old and her parents told her she was going to learn to play violin. She wasn’t sure exactly what that meant, but was pretty sure she didn’t want to do it. But her parents insisted she go through at least the first few Suzuki books, and by the time she could make her own choice, she loved making music with her instrument. Breana studied Music Education at the University of North Florida, and has been teaching strings in both private and group settings for over twenty-five years. Breana has performed in orchestras and chamber ensembles such as the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, the Jacksonville University Orchestra, The New Albany Symphony Orchestra, and The String Group across North Florida and South Georgia, as well as in Ohio, Singapore, and Brazil. She joined North Valley Symphony Orchestra (NVSO) in 2021. Young musicians are Breana’s passion, and she loves watching beginning string students gain confidence, skills, and joy through their earliest orchestral experiences. She is thrilled to bring that enthusiasm to Symphonettes.
Join Us
If you have a passion to play music, can meet weekly for rehearsals, are willing to commit to the necessary practice, and want to have fun playing music with your friends, then we want you in North Valley Symphonettes!
We offer a "ladder up" for young musicians. There are no limits! NVSO provides students the ability to progress from from North Valley Symphonettes, to North Valley Youth Strings and then to North Valley Youth Orchestra. Some advanced students ultimately audition for the NVSO Adult Orchestra. See our current members at the NVSO Youth Ensembles page.
New Key Dates
July 1, 2026 - Online registration opens
September 14 - Fall Semester Rehearsals Begin - Registration for fall is Closed
December 12 - Youth Ensembles Winter Concert
January 25, 2027 - Spring Semester Begins - Registration for Spring is Closed
May 15, 2027 - Youth Ensembles Spring Concert
+ Rehearsals and at-home practice
Attend weekly live rehearsals with ensemble directors, which include rehearsals of assigned music, and lessons in technique and music appreciation. Rehearsals are held from 5:00 - 6:30 on Mondays.
The rehearsal venue is: Shiloh Community Church, 19021 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Directors assign weekly assignments, focusing on very specific repertoire excerpts and string skills.
+ Concerts
North Valley Symphonettes performs at least one mandatory concert at the end of each semester. An optional “outreach concert” is sometimes scheduled for a performance in a mall setting or retirement center.
+ Tuition
- Full Season Tuition (Fall 2026 - Spring 2027) $325
- Half Season Tuition (Fall 2026) $170
- Half Season Tuition (Spring 2027) $170
- Sibling discounts of $100 ($50/half season) are offered for each additional sibling.
- Early Bird Discount! Register for the full year by August 15, 2025, and receive 10% off your registration.
- Financial assistance from the LEMM scholarship fund may be available upon request.
+ Acceptance to NVS
If you are sure NVS is the level of ensemble you should join, simply scroll to the bottom of the page and register! During registration, simply list yourself as an "beginning" student, and we will place you in NVS. You can always change to an easier or more challenging ensemble after we begin rehearsals.
If you would like advice or more information before joining NVS, send a note through our "Contact Us" page. In the message please provide your name, and describe your age/grade, years playing your instrument, your training and your experience. This will help us determine the correct youth ensemble for you to join.
+ Optional Video Audition
You may also upload a short video if you would like. This is optional, but may help us better know your capabilites.
Include two 1-octave Scales. Play them detache, one long bow per note, at about 60 beats per minute:
- Violins: C Major + A Major
- Viola/Cellos: A Major + D Major
Include a Solo Piece from your current techniques book. Choose something you really enjoy that shows us how well you can play!
Test your video camera to ensure good lighting and sound. Make sure your fingers and bow arm are visible. Using a smart phone or iPad camera placed on a stand about 45 degrees to your right side usually works just fine.
After you record your video, upload it using the “Upload Video Audition” button below.
During the upload, you will be asked to sign into a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, and do not wish to or need assistance in creating one, contact NVSO at youth@northvalleysymphony.org to arrange for an alternate means to upload your video.
+ Community Health & Covid 19 Protocols
Each NVSO participant is individually responsible to take the personal precautions appropriate for their specific vaccination and general health status. Students are required to not attend rehearsals and concerts if they are sick.
Secure your spot in the ensemble.
Register and pay now!!
First, please read the Youth Ensemble Handbook.
After reading the Youth Ensemble Handbook, use the button below to register. Welcome to NVSO!
If you have general questions please contact the NVSO Youth Registrar at: youth@northvalleysymphony.org or call 623-980-4628
Questions about the ensemble are best answered by the
North Valley Youth Strings Director, Mrs. Gabrielle Beam at:
gabrielleb@northvalleysymphony.org