(Photo courtesy Toni Reineke, Westside Symphonette)
Westside Symphonette “welcomes all musicians – beginning to advanced, young to antique.” So writes its founder/co-conductor Toni Reineke in her announcement of its new season, which starts September 14th. If you’re interested in being part of this community orchestra, it’s registering musicians now. Read on for the full announcement:

Westside Symphonette anticipates its new season!

September 14—and every Tuesday!

The Westside Symphonette Community and Youth Orchestras are preparing for the 2010 Fall Season, which begins Tuesday, September 14.

The Westside Symphonette welcomes all musicians, beginning to advanced, young to antique. Each group is open to all ages, youth through adult with informal auditions for placement in one of the three different orchestras to suit your individual skill level:

Symphonette Strings – Are you just now thinking about learning how to play the violin or have kids that have sparked an interest? This group is for those who are just getting started playing the violin, viola, cello or bass. Through a generous grant from The Wallace Foundation, the Symphonette Strings will have adult coaches provided by the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras.

Intermediate Orchestra – This ensemble was formed for those that may have only a few years experience or are promoted from the Symphonette Strings. This group will give you the full symphony experience by including winds and percussion, an opportunity unique in West Seattle.

West Seattle Community Orchestra – The Westside Symphonette is now known as the West Seattle Community Orchestra. The name change is a reflection of its significant growth in musicianship and increased adult membership. For the fall season, the first movement of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony will be tackled and included in the fall season’s repertoire along with other classical and holiday music.

In addition to Toni Reineke, co-conductor and founder of the orchestra, the Symphonette again welcomes Julia Tai and Robert Duisberg as co-conductors. Julia recently received her doctorate from the University of Washington studying instrumental conducting with Maestro Peter Erös and violin with Ronald Patterson. For over 30 years, Rob has composed music and conducted various groups in the Seattle area. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition and conducting from the University of Washington and a PhD in Computer Science. Toni holds a doctorate in music from the University of Washington and recently retired from Seattle Schools where she taught beginning instruments for ten years.

Come join the Symphonette! Fall registration has begun and openings are still available for every orchestral instrument. To register, visit the Westside Symphonette website (www.westsidesymphonette.org) and click on Registration. For additional information or questions, contact Toni Reineke at 206-243-6955 or tonireineke@comcast.net