The Concert Strings
Our entry-level strings orchestra, conducted by Cheryl Pope-Ferrari and assisted by Linda Ighnagni, our Strings Specialist. Cheryl has played violin since she was 9 years old. She has played solo and in groups from a very young age. In college, she had experience conducting small and large groups. As a graduate student, Cheryl student taught at the Detroit School for the Performing Arts. In this capacity, she led the vocal and strings groups for the Fall semester. She led classes, rehearsals, and performances of vocal groups of 50 students and string and full orchestras. As a music therapist, Cheryl led performances of all kinds and sizes with students singing, playing instruments, and performing in musicals. In 1999, Cheryl wrote original songs for and co-directed a musical with elementary students enrolled in general and special education classes.
Currently, Cheryl has a violin studio in her home where she teaches beginning and advanced students of all ages.
Cheryl still plays in small and large ensembles. She leads the 2nd violin section in the Detroit Medical Orchestra and plays in two quartets-one on violin and the other on viola. Cheryl is proud to be joining the Livonia Youth Symphony as she has played 2nd violin for the Livonia Symphony for over a decade. She is excited to help the young people of Metro Detroit expand their musical skills and experience the transformative power of music. This is a great learning experience and a fun group which focuses on note reading and technique. This is typically a string musician’s first ensemble experience. Students must bring their instrument, music handouts and a music stand to each rehearsal. Group rehearses from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
The Symphony Strings
The next level in our young strings program, the symphony strings, also under the direction of Cheryl Pope-Ferrari and assisted by Linda Ighnagni, our Strings Specialist, offers more of a challenge to its’ musicians. Musicians in this group are proficient to 3rd position and effectively using vibrato technique. The music selections are more complex, richer and fuller. Students must bring their instrument, music handouts and a music stand to each rehearsal. Group rehearses from 8:45 – 10:30 a.m.
The Wind Ensemble
Our entry-level group for ALL wind instruments. Conducted by Carl Karoub, first French Horn and Assistant Conductor of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, this is typically a wind musician’s first ensemble experience. Students in this group should know FOUR scales and be able to read music at a 3rd or 4th year level. Students must bring their instrument, music handouts and a music stand to each rehearsal. Group rehearses from 8:45 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.
Wind Choirs
For the more advanced members of the Wind Ensemble, we have our choirs. Also conducted by Carl Karoub. Included are a BRASS ENSEMBLE and a SAX or REED CHOIR. Students must bring their instrument, music handouts and a music stand to each rehearsal. Groups rehearse between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
The Flute Choir
We are currently practicing a FLUTE CHOIR. This is a self-directed studies group, with help from our parent mentor and occasionally Carl Karoub. Group rehearses 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Saturdays.
The Philharmonic Strings
The next level in our young strings program, the symphony strings, also under the direction of Timario Wilkins and assisted by our string specialist Linda Ighnagni, offers more challenge to its’ musicians. Musicians in this group play in the Philharmonic. The music selections complex, rich and full. Group rehearses from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
The Junior Philharmonic
The Junior Philharmonic Conducted by Carl Karoub, first French Horn and Assistant Conductor of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, is made up of Symphony strings, the ensembles, and other groups. Carl is a former member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as well as having played with the orchestras of Dallas, New Orleans and Milwaukee. He was a busy freelancer here in Detroit, recording and performing with many great performers, classical and pop, ballet and opera. He also was director of youth orchestras, (Dearborn, Livonia, Home School, etc.) As well as a teacher in the public schools. He is also a long time member of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, (three and a half decades) where he enjoys playing principal horn and serves as Assistant Conductor also for three and a half decades. Rehearsal time is 8:45 – 9:40 a.m.
The Philharmonic
This is a FULL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE for our most accomplished musicians. Private lessons are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for musicians in The Philharmonic. Musicians in this group are advanced sight readers. They can play two octave major and minor scales. Conducted by Timario Wilkins (University of Michigan School of Music graduate and violinist with The Southern Great Lakes Symphony and The Livonia Symphony Orchestra), and assisted by Linda Ignagni, our Strings Specialist, the musical selections are performed as written by the composers and NOT simplified arrangements. Students must bring their instrument, music handouts and a music stand to each rehearsal. Group rehearsal times are Philharmonic Strings 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.; Philharmonic minus reeds 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. and the full Philharmonic from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m-noon.