The Tennessee Valley Music Festival (TVMF) is the Tennessee Valley’s premier summer music program, offering a dynamic and immersive experience for musicians of all levels. Woodwind, brass, and percussion players (intermediate with at least two years of experience to advanced) and string players of all levels (from beginners to adults) are invited to join the Huntsville Youth Orchestra for an engaging and intensive week of music.

Participants will choose from four specialized tracks designed to match their experience level. Under the guidance of renowned artist-faculty, students will refine their skills through hands-on instruction, chamber music, and ensemble performance in a supportive and inspiring environment. The festival culminates in a final showcase concert, celebrating each musician’s growth and achievements.

The Tennessee Valley Music Festival 2025: Legends, focuses on music inspired by traditional stories or folktales—both from the United States and beyond—that are considered historical but often exaggerated. Track III students will perform Robert Kerr's "Johnny Appleseed Suite" and excerpts from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade," inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a collection of Middle Eastern folktales from the Islamic Golden Age. The Festival Orchestra will perform Igor Stravinsky's Suite from "The Firebird" (1919). Other selections are to be determined.

Schedule of Events:

Tracks

Track I
Students age 7-11 participate in Nimble Fingers, Nimble Minds, an introductory program for children with no string experience. Students may choose the violin or cello. Instruments are provided depending on size availability for use at TVMF and rental information will be sent out if the correct size is not available or are interested in renting to practice at home.

Track I Schedule
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Track II
A program for beginner and intermediate string students with some experience. After a brief audition (see audition info below), students will be placed in String Explorers, Prelude Orchestra, or Redstone Orchestra. Students in Track II also receive masterclasses/sectionals and a variety of special topics classes.

Track II Schedule
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

Track III
A program for intermediate and advanced students of all orchestral and wind band instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp. Students will audition (see audition info below) and be placed into Cumberland Orchestra, Twickenham Symphony or Tennessee Valley Philharmonic. Students in Track III will participate in chamber music, masterclasses, and select a special topics class.

Track III Schedule
9:00am-4:00pm

Track IV
A program for adult string players who enjoy playing recreationally. Students participate in the Horizon Chamber Orchestra each evening.

Track IV Schedule
5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Concerts

2 pm - Student Chamber Music

7 pm - Faculty & Intern Chamber

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