East Community Center
5933 South Fairfield Street
Littleton, CO 80120
Littleton Youth Orchestra
Summer 2026
Under the direction of Mr. David Eilert
About the Program
This summer, young string musicians are invited to join an exciting orchestral experience designed to sharpen skills, build ensemble confidence, and prepare for the year ahead. Whether you’re stepping into intermediate repertoire or tackling advanced literature, this program gives you the tools, the community, and the stage to shine.
Two orchestra classes will be offered — Littleton Youth String Orchestra (1-2 years of experience or Suzuki book 1-3 equivalent) and Littleton Youth Chamber Orchestra (3-8 years of experience or Suzuki book 4 and up equivalent) with placement determined by a short video audition submitted prior to the program. All music will be provided at no additional cost.
We understand that summer schedules are busy. Please plan to miss no more than two rehearsals during the duration of the summer, and please plan to participate in the concert on August 9th.
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Orchestra Levels
Littleton Youth String Orchestra — For developing string players ready to grow their ensemble skills. Students should be able to read basic sheet music for their respective instruments, should feel comfortable playing all the notes in first position, and be comfortable performing basic bow techniques such as legato, staccato, and detache.
Littleton Youth Chamber Orchestra — For experienced string players seeking high-quality orchestral literature and an excellent ensemble atmosphere. Students should be familiar with reading sheet music in all time signatures in simple and compound meters, should be comfortable performing with vibrato, should be comfortable reading and performing in first and third positions for violin and viola, first through fourth positions for cello, and first through third positions for bass. Students should also be comfortable performing two octave scales with up to at least two sharps and flats.
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Also This Summer: Beginning Violin
New to violin? This is your moment. Beginning violin instruction will be available this summer through Opening Notes instructor Lisa Appleton. Whether your child has always wanted to try strings or you’re looking for a gentle, nurturing start before joining orchestra in the fall, this is a wonderful opportunity to begin.
For more information on beginning violin, visit https://openingnotes.org/summer-violin
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Schedule
Weekly rehearsals — Thursdays
May 28 · June 4 · June 11 · June 18 · June 25 · July 2 · July 9 · July 16 · July 23 · July 30 · August 6
Littleton Youth String Orchestra: 5:45–6:45 PM
Littleton Youth Chamber Orchestra: 7:00–8:00 PM
END-OF-SUMMER CONCERT
August 9, 2026 · 2:00–5:00 PM
Featuring violin, orchestra, guitar, choir & jazz
Venue TBD: Littleton High School Theater or Newton Middle School Stage
Specific performance times to be announced
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Class Location
East Community Center
5933 S Fairfield St
Littleton, CO 80120
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Why Join?
The summer is the perfect time to get ahead. Whether you’re heading into a new school year, preparing for an audition, or simply want to keep your bow arm strong, this program gives you something most summer programs don’t — real orchestra experience.
You’ll rehearse alongside musicians at your level, work through meaningful repertoire under expert direction, and close the summer with a live concert performance your family won’t want to miss. Students consistently find that a summer in orchestra sets them apart when fall auditions and seating placements come around.
Don’t lose the progress you worked so hard to earn. Come spend your Thursdays doing something that matters.
Meet Your Director
David Eilert
David Eilert brings a rare combination of formal training, classroom experience, and genuine passion for string education to the podium.
Currently serving as Orchestra and Band Director at John Wesley Powell Middle School, David has spent over a decade building and expanding instrumental music programs. In Atlanta, GA, he founded a K–12 string program from the ground up — establishing orchestras at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. He has also provided private instruction to over 80 private string students, directed musicals, concerts, and recitals, and coached a traveling student music team.
David holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Boston University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Music Education from Bob Jones University. He is known for his high expectations, clear instruction, and genuine investment in each student’s growth as both a musician and a person.
Audition & Registration Information
Placement is based on a short video audition submitted before the program begins. All music for the session will be supplied — just bring your instrument and your enthusiasm.
Click below to download the audition excerpts.
LYO Audition Excerpts
Register below.
Registration
Please complete the online registration form and pay below. Registrations are not accepted unless payment is successfully completed.
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