Junior String Philharmonic

Rachel Galassi • Music Director and Conductor

Natalie Trach • String Coach

The Junior String Philharmonic is open to violin, viola, cello and bass players in grades 5 through 9. Rehearsals are held weekly from September through May and students perform a wide range of works by composers from centuries ago to the present day. There are sectional rehearsals every semester where students study with professional coaches appropriate to their instrument.

Occasionally the conductor will program a concerto grosso involving several students and when solos occur in selected literature, students will be given the opportunity to audition for them.

In addition, the students spend one day touring to area schools, sharing sharing their talents with their peers around the Lehigh Valley. These School Tour concerts help promote classical music education and appreciation among the younger generations and are a fun day of community building. Additional performances are scheduled from time to time, including Barnes & Noble and performances at area nursing homes and retirement communities to perform. Trips are also organized for the students to travel to see professional orchestras, which serve as educational and social experiences.