Handbook

Mission

Prelude Strings is dedicated to providing young musicians the opportunity to develop orchestral and musical skills under the guidance of professional educators. Prelude’s attention to the fundamentals of musicianship and its practice of playing music from a wide variety of periods, prepares young musicians for membership in higher-level orchestras after they leave Prelude Strings.

Guidelines

• Learn ensemble skills via orchestra rehearsals and performances.

• Students may or may not have been in an orchestra in the past.

• String Players age 8-13 or 3rd grade-8th grade will be considered for all orchestras.

• Teach cooperation, not competition.

• Students will share leadership roles via rotational seating.

• Teach students to excel beyond the basics to present a high quality performance that includes phrasing, dynamics, articulation and style specific to string instruments.

Our History

Prelude String Orchestra began its first season in fall of 1994 with advice and financial support from the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts.  Annette Brower who was serving as Secretary to the Council at that time volunteered to manage the project.  She has continued to manage the Orchestra since the founding year.  Annette chose Helen Weed as the conductor because of her passion for music education and enthusiastic pledge of commitment. Helen chose the name of the orchestra, “Prelude,” to indicate the first orchestral experience for many children. Prelude Strings is a 501 c 3 non profit corporation.

All students study with private teachers and have been accepted based on an audition.  There are about 30 rehearsals on Saturday mornings between September and May and three performances.

Due to overwhelming interest, the Orchestra grew from a group of 8 violins and 2 cellos in its first season to about 110 musicians divided into three string ensembles: Prelude String Orchestra, Prelude Sinfonia and Prelude Chamber Strings.  Orchestra members are in elementary and junior high school.  These musicians come from Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties.    

Since 1994, we have enjoyed performing throughout Orange County at various community churches, as well as Christ Cathedral, Santa Ana Zoo, Laguna Hills and Brea Malls, South Coast Plaza, Tustin Historical Society home tour, Laguna Woods, Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, Soka University, Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Prelude Strings wants to thank the many musicians, parents, private teachers and community patrons whose support has helped make the Orchestras a success.  It has been our great pleasure to bring fine music to the citizens of Orange County and enrich the lives of hundreds of young musicians.

Orchestra Policies

Attendance: For the success and growth of the Orchestra, it is expected that you make every effort to attend all rehearsals. An absence affects your own learning AND the ability of other orchestra members to be fully prepared for a performance.

1. There are three concert periods for the 2024-2025 season: Sept. 14.-Nov. 23, Jan. 11-March 8 and Mar. 15-May 17. A maximum of two absences per concert period is acceptable. We recommend you use your absences wisely. If you have used all your absences and miss another rehearsal for ANY reason, you may not be eligible to perform in the next concert or you may be dropped from the orchestra.

2. Three tardies equals one absence.

3. Mandatory events: These are listed in bold on the schedule. Except for illness and other unavoidable emergencies, there are NO excused absences from mandatory events. If a student misses a sectional, for any reason, they are required to do a make up, at their expense, from the sectional teacher on staff.

4. If a student misses a mandatory event for ANY reason, we reserve the right to not have the student play in the next concert.

5. Any unexcused absence from a mandatory event will result in loss of membership and orchestra fees will not be refunded. Additionally, refunds will not be given for any reason.

6. If you are ill, you must contact the Manager, director@preludestrings.org, ASAP or by 7:00 am on the day of the event. If an injury prevents you from playing, your attendance at rehearsal is required so you can observe and take notes.

Release: I understand my likeness may be used on the Prelude Strings’ social media pages, website, YouTube channel and/or other promotional materials. Additionally, by choosing to participate in Prelude Strings during the Covid-19 pandemic, I acknowledge and accept the risks inherent in being in public places. I have carefully considered my personal circumstances. I understand it is my responsibility to use good judgment, follow all guidelines and laws, and take care to avoid injury to my health, person and property.

Conduct: Orchestra members are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Courteous attention, punctuality and good manners will lead to a productive rehearsal for all involved. It is expected that these courtesies will be extended to fellow musicians, staff and volunteers. Inappropriate behavior may result in loss of membership. No cell phone use during rehearsal.

Rehearsals: Students need to arrive 15 minutes early in order to be tuned and ready to rehearse on time. Please take traffic issues into consideration as late arrivals are disruptive. Parents who do not stay for rehearsal need to return on time. Students will not be left alone to wait for a ride. Parents and guests are welcome to observe all rehearsals except the rehearsal on the concert day. 
For rehearsal/concert times and locations, click here for the Rehearsal Schedule page.

Music: Orchestra members are expected to have their music folder and pencil at each rehearsal and concert. Lost music folders will be replaced at the cost of $10 each.  The binder is Prelude Strings' property and should be returned at the end of the season.

Seating: Our orchestras use rotational seating. We do this to encourage cooperation and not competition.

School Music Program: If there is a program for string instruments, orchestra members are expected to participate to the satisfaction of their school music teacher. We understand there can be significant differences between school music programs and many times Prelude members are the most advanced musicians in their schools. If you are in this position, we encourage you to take a leadership role in your school program and set an example for your classmates who will often be inspired to reach the level of musicianship you have achieved.

Concert Dress:

Girls:

• black dress pants, skirt or dress

• short or long sleeved black blouse

• black nylons or tights

• black dress shoes

Boys:

• black dress pants

• black dress shirt

• black socks - long

• black dress shoes