Programming for the youth and community orchestra : Beethoven and Schubert as models for selection

Abstract

Given the limited skill set and level of musical maturity of community and youth orchestras, programming for said ensembles is a monumental challenge. Through the analysis of ensemble challenges and individual part-writing in Beethoven’s First Symphony and the first movement of Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony, I have constructed a working document of general guidelines for programming for the youth orchestra and community orchestra. I found similarities between the two pieces, allowing for some basic generalizations. Further research is needed for this tool to be useful on a broad spectrum.