Prelude String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic String Orchestra programs provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Prelude String Orchestra takes place on Tuesdays at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $175 per semester (session). 

PRELUDE - FALL 2026

September 22* - December 1, 2026 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

Concert on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at TC Central High School Auditorium 

Winter 2027

January 12 - March 16 | Tuesdays 5:45-6:45 pm

Concert on Tuesday, March 16, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. at TC Central High School Auditorium 

Prelude is an early orchestra experience for players of all ages. Members should have at least two years of instruction and be able to play the notes on all 4 strings. This ensemble may also be a great entry point for adult beginners or those who have been away from their instruments for a number of years. 

*Auditions are September 15, but rehearsals begin September 22. The registration dates include the audition date, but if you are not auditioning, your start date will be September 22nd.

Audition Information
Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude String Orchestra will be held Tuesday, September 15, 4-7 p.m. at Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email cms@tcphil.org, or call (231) 947-7120 ext. 5, to schedule an audition. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

Fall Dates: September 22nd–November 24th 2026 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm No Chamber Music on October 6th 

Concert: Thursday, December 3rd, 2026, 6:00 pm at TC Philharmonic Center 

Winter Dates: January 12th-March 9th 2027 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm No Chamber Music on January 26th

Concert: Thursday, March 18th 2027, 7:00 pm at TC Philharmonic Center

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Sinfonia Chamber Music rehearses from 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm. 

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

Fall Dates: September 22nd – November 24th 2026 | Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm No Chamber Music on October 6th 

Fall Concert: Thursday, December 3rd 6:00 PM at TC Philharmonic Center 

Winter Dates: January 12th - March 9th 2027 | Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 pm No Chamber Music on January 26th 

Winter Concert: Thursday, March 18th 7:00 pm at TC Philharmonic Center

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Prelude Chamber Music rehearses from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Sinfonia String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic String Orchestras provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Sinfonia String Orchestra takes place on Tuesdays at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $175 per semester (session).  

Sinfonia String Orchestra: FALL 2026

September 22* - December 1, 2026 | Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Concert on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 7:00 pm at TC Central High School Auditorium

Sinfonia String Orchestra: Winter 2027

January 12 - March 16, 2027 | Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Concert on Tuesday, March 16 7:00 pm at TC Central High School Auditorium

Sinfonia is an advanced string orchestra for players of violin, viola, cello, and bass. Members must possess solid technical and music-reading skills. Typical members will have studied a minimum of 4 years, have a private instructor, and play in school, church or other community ensembles. 

*Auditions are September 15, but rehearsals begin September 22. The registration dates include the audition date, but if you are not auditioning, your start date will be September 22nd.

Audition Information
Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude Strings will be held Tuesday, September 15, 4-7 p.m. at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email cms@tcphil.org, or call (231) 947-7120 ext. 5, to schedule an audition. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

Founded in 1989, Encore’s mission is to offer our community excellent music in an entertaining way through four seasonal concerts a year while providing quality experiences for the musicians, allowing them the opportunity to return their talents to the community. Encore Symphonic Winds consists of approximately 50 exceptionally talented amateur musicians from the 7-county Grand Traverse region, and continues to serve the community by making music easily accessible to everyone.

Schedule:

Rehearsals and Concert are at Traverse City Philharmonic Center in Traverse City

September 24th, October 1st, 8th, and 15th at 7:00 - 9:30 pm

Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 pm Concert

November 12, 19 and December 3, and 10

Sunday, December 13 3:00 pm Concert

January 28, February 4, 11 and 18

Sunday, February 21 3:00 pm Concert

April 1, 8, 15, and 22

Saturday, April 24 7:00 pm - Concert