Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School announces new fall offerings for its Odeon Ensemble Program. Odeon was founded in 2000 and in 2006 it merged with Bay Chamber. Odeon has grown and evolved over several years to encompass hundreds of strings, winds, brass and piano students.  For the fall of 2018 there are some new and returning offerings both for youth and adults.

Returning after a year’s hiatus is the Odeon Allegro Ensemble, this year led by Maya French, Brianna Fischler and Nate Martin, all three of whom are part of Palaver Strings, a string ensemble that is often featured on Bay Chamber’s concert programs. Allegro offers a wonderful first experience ensemble for novice string players and is open to students with at least one year of violin, viola, cello, harp, bass, or piano who are comfortable reading music and playing in the keys of A, D, C, and G. Allegro opens a new world of ensemble playing while reinforcing technique and reading skills. Allegro is perfect for those Suzuki students who are becoming comfortable reading music, excited about playing more complex arrangements and joining with violists and cellists to create a full strings ensemble. 

Also new this year is the Odeon Chamber Orchestra, led by Deirdre McClure. This ensemble is for advanced strings players of any age. For many years, Odeon has sought to create an opportunity for Musicians from our musical community who are seeking seeking a musical challenge. Strings, winds and brass musicians who are comfortable with playing challenging repertoire from the great works of history are encouraged to join.  Auditions for the Odeon Chamber Orchestra will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Bay Chamber Music School.

A staple of the Odeon program, the Odeon Adult Orchestra, also conducted by Deirdre McClure, is designed for adult string and wind players at the intermediate level and above. It offers musicians in the local area a warm and welcoming place to play exciting music, learn ensemble skills, and build camaraderie. Works from the orchestral repertoire are explored in a friendly and supportive environment. 

Along with many opportunities for public performance, members of Odeon Ensembles are offered complimentary tickets to select concerts throughout the year. Participation in the Odeon Ensemble program is free to students fully enrolled in Bay Chamber’s private instruction program.

Odeon Allegro will meet weekly on Mondays beginning Sept. 17 from 4-4:45 p.m.; Odeon Chamber Orchestra and Odeon Adult Orchestra will rehearse each week on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 18; Chamber from 5-6:30 p.m. and Adult from 7-9 p.m. All rehearsals take place at the Bay Chamber Music School, 18 Central St., top floor, Rockport, Maine.

For more information or to register visit www.baychamberconcerts.org or call 207-236-2823.