The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra offers beginning strings and beginning orchestra programs this fall starting Oct. 1.

The MVYSO has grown to five levels of orchestra and has hired a new beginning strings instructor, Emily Maulden.

Maulden holds a degree in violin performance from Central Washington University and has been a violin coach for the youth symphony for over a year.

“Her patience, enthusiasm and sense of humor make her a perfect candidate to teach beginning strings,” said Elisa Lewis, MVYSO executive director. “She is able to multi-task, think on her feet and roll with the students’ needs.”

MVYSO offer two classes of beginning strings: students can learn violin in the kindergarten through third grade class; students can choose from violin, viola or cello in the fourth grade and up class.

Woodwind, brass, percussion and stringed instrument students with 1-3 years of playing experience can begin their full orchestra experience in MVYSO’s debut orchestra or philharmonic orchestra.

The debut orchestra helps students learn to play in a larger group with several musical parts happening at the same time and is recommended for students who have one year of playing experience. The music and curriculum are designed for helping the student build confidence and skill in performing in a group setting.

The philharmonic orchestra is a more intermediate level orchestra for students that are developing skills in playing in a larger group setting.

April Whyte teaches and conducts the orchestras.

Placement auditions are open for students wishing to be placed in MVYSO’s debut or philharmonic orchestra. No audition is required for beginning strings.

For more information, visit www.mvyso.org or call 425-358-1640.