After completing the two year Suzuki program, students are ready to audition for the Prelude Orchestra. The fundamental training students receive in their Suzuki experience prepares them for a true orchestra experience, where musical selections become increasingly more difficult, and the group is broken into first, second and third violinists. This orchestra also includes viola, cello, bass and a piano accompanist.

Young students who have not gone through our Suzuki program are also welcome to audition for this orchestra.

The Junior Orchestra continues to build upon what is learned over the two to three year Prelude experience by expanding the repertoire and offering students the opportunity to play even more sophisticated pieces. Students in the Junior Orchestra are in elementary and middle school. Young students who are auditioning for our orchestral program for the first time, and have prior orchestral experience from school or another youth symphony, will be considered for this orchestra.

The Intermediate Orchestra is a wonderful opportunity for the more advanced student to continue to develop his or her skills while playing even more challenging pieces. Prepared by the Junior Orchestra for the next level of challenge, these middle school and high school students enjoy the additional performances, trips and workshops offered by Lakeland. More complex arrangements and often original unarranged works are performed by this group. Intermediate students combine with Senior Orchestra members to form the Lakeland Youth Symphony Touring Ensemble that travels and competes in the spring of each year.

The Senior Orchestra is comprised of accomplished high school students, many of whom have been with the Lakeland organization since the Suzuki program. A challenging repertoire of original music from the great masters of the Baroque and Classical periods, as well as contemporary pieces, gives the students an opportunity rarely found outside of professional orchestras. Lakeland has also had the privilege to debut works of local artists in recent years. The Senior Orchestra has performed in many outside venues around the State and in Montreal, Quebec City and Boston. When participating in varied competitions, the ensemble has always been rated superior. This ensemble has prepared many of our students to continue their performing at the college level and even into the professional market, while making lasting friendships with fellow musicians. Entry to the Senior Orchestra is by audition only. Auditions are held in May for the following September.