Dolce String Ensemble

​Designed for students who have one or two years of experience on their instrument, this group is an ideal first ensemble experience. Rehearsals will focus on basic ensemble playing, orchestral conduct, and the development of strong reading and listening skills. It is an enriching group experience. Dolce String Ensemble will meet on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 7:30.

Audition information

Entry Auditions (Primarily Spring auditions for the following season but Fall auditions can be scheduled)

• All students are required to audition for initial entrance into any YMI ensemble. Please complete an Audition Application and an audition will be scheduled. 
• Auditions will be submitted via YouTube by May 31, 2020 for priority seating. Please upload your video to YouTube (which can be at an unlisted link if you would like) and email the link to ExecDir@YouthMusicIllinois.org.

Students should prepare a solo and the scales according to their instrument.
Violins: G major - one octave (2 octaves if you can)
Violas: C major - one octave (2 octaves if you can)
Cello: C major - one octave (2 octaves if you can)

Apply for Dolce String Ensemble

Laura Otto, Conductor
Laura Otto is an alumna of the YMI organization, growing up near Eureka, Illinois. She earned her B.M. In Violin performance from Bradley University, serving as concertmaster of the Bradley Symphony Orchestra. Laura was also a winner of the Concerto Aria Solo Competition and received a full graduate assistantship to Illinois State University to pursue her M.M. In Performance. As a freelance violinist/violist, Laura has performed with several symphonies and festivals such as the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Aria International Music Academy, Nebraska Chamber Music Institute, and Domain Forget International Music Academy. 
Laura has been teaching violin lessons for nearly 20 years in the Peoria area. She enjoys teaching both Suzuki and traditional methods, starting students as young as four years old! She is a member of the Peoria Area Music Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas.
As a mother of four children, studying violin, cello, French horn, percussion, and piano, she understands both the challenges and joys of learning an instrument.  Laura and her husband, Ryan, live in Congerville and enjoy serving at their church, traveling to Montana in the summer, and working outside in the flower garden.