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Youth Orchestra Competition Important Dates 9/19/25 First Rehearsal 10/11/25 Deadline to enter YS Concerto Competition 10/25/25 Concerto Competition – Youth Symphony only 11/2/25 Concert – Regis College – 12pm Phil & YS, 2:30pm Primo, Prep & Sinfonia 12/6/25 Holiday Pops – Youth Symphony 2/8/26 Concert – Regis College 5/3/26 Final Concert – Jordan Hall REGISTRATION About the Competition Please note that this competition is only open to students in the Youth Symphony. Two winners will be chosen to perform, one with the Youth Symphony, one with Philharmonia. Students are required to play one movement of a concerto of their choice from memory with accompaniment. For the audition, the piece should not exceed 8 minutes, so cuts should be made if needed. All contestants must have their concerto approved by RYO conductor Christopher Memoli before entering the competition. Winners’ Performances: Joseph Juhasz, bassoon (2024) Max Wei, violin (2024) Justin Mao, violin (2023) Amelie Martin, violin (2023) Alanna Xue, violin (2022) Chloe Zhong, flute (2022) Walker Whitehouse, cello (2021) Chocoria Jiang, violin (2021) Adrian Yemin & Joshua Halberstadt, viola (2021) Adrian Yemin, viola (2020) Ethan Wood, violin (2020) Joshua Halberstadt, viola (2019) Lindy Billhardt, double bass (2019) Sarah Zhang, violin (2018) Andrew Y. Kim, cello (2018) Kendrick Kirby-Lee, violin (2017) Sara Kawai, harp (2017) Elizabeth McCormick, flute (2016) Ella Kim, violin (2016) Spencer Anderson, violin (2015) Evan Wood, trombone (2015)

Preparatory Orchestra Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Whitney Tandon , conductor Preparatory Orchestra is designed for young string players ready for intermediate string repertoire. Candidates can read music proficiently and have strong sight-reading abilities. Preparatory students demonstrate ease of playing in the first three positions and may be developing or playing with vibrato. Audition Requirements: – Excerpts from 2 contrasting selections – Two 2 octave scales, student’s choice Watch Other Recent Performances: Preparatory Orchestra at Regis College, February 8, 2026

The Farny-Webb Teaching Legacy at RSC If longevity and devotion are measures of a life well spent in music education, then sisters Ethel Farny and Anne Webb have set the bar high at the Rivers School Conservatory (RSC). Between the two, they have guided generations of students, shaped programs, and shared laughter and lessons across nearly four decades of teaching. Anne Webb and Ethel Farny, RSC teachers and sisters Farny’s journey began in 1986, when her eldest daughter enrolled at RSC to study piano with A. Ramón Rivera. At the time, Farny was teaching flute elsewhere, but as she spent more time on campus and got to know Rivera, she was offered the opportunity to teach at RSC. Her family soon became part of the RSC community, with three of her children studying music at RSC. Farny recalls fond memories of her youngest child learning to crawl downstairs in Blackwell while her eldest was in lessons upstairs. Webb joined as a violin teacher a few years later, around 1990, after returning to the United States from nearly a decade in Europe, living as a professional musician in Salzburg and Munich. “When I came back, I auditioned and joined RSC, and I’ve been here ever since,” Anne shares. What began as one sister recommending another to a school she loved has grown into a rare familial partnership of two musicians, two educators, and one enduring connection to the school. Over the years, their roles have evolved, but their dedication has remained unwavering. Farny has served as chair of the Wind Department for over 20 years and was co-chair of contemporary music for 30 years. Webb, who was hired initially as a violin teacher, expanded her repertoire to include Scottish fiddle and viola. Both sisters emphasize personal connection and enthusiasm as key components of their teaching philosophies. “One thing I love to do as a teacher is listen to the personality of the person I’m teaching”, Farny explains. “I become a slightly different person with each student. Some need very creative music, some need technical precision, and some just go sideways, but you adapt.” Webb has a similar approach, adding that humor and imagery often shape her lessons. “I bring excitement and sometimes funny imagery to help students connect with a piece,” she says. For Webb, music should be as joyful as it is instructive. For both sisters, performances and student growth remain the most motivating parts of teaching. Farny is energized by preparation for concerts. “I’m a very performance-oriented teacher. I love seeing students take the stage and give it their best.” Webb finds joy in watching students take ownership of their learning. “It’s magical when a struggling student applies themselves. The pride and independence that lights up in their face is what makes it worth it,” she says. Teaching for four decades has given these women countless memories of standout students. Both agree that it’s always rewarding when a student goes on to become a musical star, but even more endearing are the lasting bonds they’ve formed with these students. Webb recalls a student who studied with her for five years. “Her mother told me during her senior year that I’d been a consistent presence in her daughter’s life, and that meant a lot to the family.” Farny remembers a particularly serious student who approached every lesson and seminar performance with dedication. “From day one, she put her heart and soul into it,” Farny reflects. “Students like that have kept me on my toes—they make sure I’m always at the top of my game, too.” The sisters light up when they talk about sharing both personal and professional lives at RSC. “We love it when we have students in common at concerts—it creates a bond that’s unique to us,” Farny shares. They laugh, recalling years of adventures together, part of their shared history at the school. Their sisterly relationship is undeniably strong, and while family ties run deep, the shared passion for music and RSC has allowed them to remain close over the years. When asked to describe their teaching legacy at RSC, Farny and Webb agreed on two words: dedication and joy. “We both go the extra mile,” Farny says. “If a student needs an extra lesson, we give it. It’s about the students and their families, not the clock.” Webb adds, “I hope to be remembered as a friendly personality with the joy of life. Music is our passion, and we hope that shows.” Article written by Ethan Fowle

More Ways to Give Why Give? Demonstrate your confidence in and commitment to The Rivers School Conservatory, a leading community music school in the MetroWest, by making a gift. Thank you for your strong and enthusiastic support! Your Gift to the RSC Annual Fund Supports: - 100+ Faculty-Artist Teachers - Financial Aid for nearly 25% of our students to participate in world-class musical experiences. - 300 workshops, recitals, master classes and seminars each year. - A culture of excellence unified by one common goal: to provide premier classical and jazz music education to everyone. Designated Fund Descriptions More Ways to Give By Check: Make your check payable to The Rivers School Conservatory and mail to The Rivers School Conservatory, 333 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493. If designating your gift to a designated fund, please note the fund name in the memo field. Matching Gift: Your company could offer a matching gift program to magnify your charitable giving. Contact your employer to find out about how they might be able to help support your charitable giving. Planned Giving: When you include The Rivers School Conservatory in your will, you play a significant role in helping future generations of RSC students. At the same time, by taking advantage of tax laws that encourage philanthropy, making a bequest to RSC can significantly reduce estate-tax burdens. Please contact Ben White (339) 686-2332 for more information about making a planned gift with The Rivers School Conservatory. Donor Advised Funds: When giving through your Donor Advised Fund, please specify the Rivers School Tax ID number 04-2104457. Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Honor your family, friends, or colleagues by making a gift in their name. Please note who you are making a gift in honor to and we will acknowledge it to our fullest extent. Gifts of Securities: Contact The Rivers School Conservatory directly for instructions.

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Registration info for all summer programs REGISTER ONLINE Financial Aid Limited need-based financial aid is available for all summer programs. To apply, please complete the following two steps: Submit the financial aid application before submitting your summer program application on CampInTouch. Submit your CampInTouch application(s) and be sure to select “Check” as your payment method on your application. Once your financial aid decision is made, your account balance will be updated and you will be contacted for any deposit(s) or tuition due. Health Forms Click here for instructions on how to submit your child’s Health History & Health Form online. Summer Band August 17 – August 21, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The 2026 tuition rate is $480 Tuition must be paid in full when your student’s application is submitted in order to reserve their placement in this program. About Get ready for the school year and jump start your Junior/Senior District audition preparation with a week-long morning program for winds, brass, and percussion players entering grades 5-12 for the 2026-27 school year. In one week, students learn repertoire and prepare for a final concert. Music is at the Junior District level and includes a variety of styles from classical to movie music! Each day includes rehearsals, sectionals, and a break with provided refreshments. Sectionals will be run by Senior District-level high school students who apply for those positions. There will also be a master class on preparing for Junior and Senior District auditions which will give students a great jump start into the audition season! Students do not have to participate in the Rivers Youth Wind Ensemble program to attend Summer Band. Section Leaders Students who have been accepted into Senior Districts are welcome to apply to be Section Leaders. These students will gain valuable leadership experience, run sectionals with guidance from the director, and can add “Summer Section Leader” to their resumé! This position has a reduced fee of $320. Apply to be a section leader Conductor Claire Nalven , Weston Public Schools Questions? Contact Kira Ousey (k.ousey@rivers.org ), RYWE Manager

Primo Orchestra Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Chris Brainard , conductor Primo is a student’s first orchestral experience. Students must be enrolled in private lessons. Candidates should demonstrate ease of playing in first position on all four strings and can proficiently read those notes; they have modest sight-reading abilities and may be working on beginning shifting. Audition Requirements: – Excerpts from 2 contrasting selections – Two 1- or 2-octave scales, student’s choice Watch Other Recent Performances: Primo Orchestra at Regis College, February 8, 2026

Registration info for all summer programs REGISTER ONLINE Financial Aid Limited need-based financial aid is available for all summer programs. To apply, please complete the following two steps: Submit the financial aid application before submitting your summer program application on CampInTouch. Submit your CampInTouch application(s) and be sure to select “Check” as your payment method on your application. Once your financial aid decision is made, your account balance will be updated and you will be contacted for any deposit(s) or tuition due. Health Forms Click here for instructions on how to submit your child’s Health History & Health Form online. Summer Orchestra August 17 – August 21, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The 2026 tuition rate is $480 Tuition must be paid in full when your student’s application is submitted in order to reserve their placement in this program. About Summer Orchestra is a week-long morning program for string players entering grades 5-12 for the 2026-2027 school year. There are no pre-program auditions and students are placed in one of three string orchestras after the first day. In one week students learn repertoire and prepare for a final concert. Each day includes rehearsals, sectionals, and a break with refreshments. Students do not have to participate in the Rivers Youth Orchestras program to attend! Students do not have to participate in the Rivers Youth Orchestras program to attend Summer Orchestra. Conductors Christopher Memoli , Weston Public Schools (retired) Susan Memoli , Wayland Public Schools (retired) Colleen MacDonald , Weston Public Schools Questions? Contact Katherine Greene, Youth Orchestra Manager orchestramanager@rivers.org

Directions & Campus Map The Rivers School Conservatory 333 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493 Google Maps 333 Winter Street is the address for the entire Rivers School campus. The Conservatory is located in two buildings in the front of the campus: Blackwell House and Bradley Hall. Upon entering the campus make an immediate right into the main parking lot for the Conservatory. Blackwell House is the white house next to the parking lot. Bradley Hall, which houses the Rivera Recital Hall, is the larger red building just a short walk away. Map of The Rivers School campus

Rivers Youth Orchestras About Rivers Youth Orchestras (RYO) The Rivers Youth Orchestra program boasts five orchestras for students ages 7-18. The orchestras perform several concerts throughout the year. Rehearsals take place on Fridays. Sinfonia and Youth Symphony begin rehearsals at 4:00 p.m. while Primo Orchestra, Preparatory Orchestra, and Philharmonia begin rehearsals at 4:15 p.m. In-person auditions for the 2026-2027 season have ended. We still have limited openings. Please read the audition requirements and click the link below to audition virtually for RYO. More info about each orchestra with audition requirements: Youth Symphony , Christopher Memoli, conductor Philharmonia , Colleen MacDonald, conductor Sinfonia , Susan Memoli, conductor Preparatory Orchestra , Whitney Tandon, conductor Primo Orchestra , Chris Brainard, conductor AUDITION VIRTUALLY FOR RYO 2026–2027 IMPORTANT DATES 9/18/26 Rehearsals begin 10/09/26 Deadline to enter Youth Symphony Concerto Competition (Y.S. members only) 10/24/26 Youth Symphony Concerto Competition 11/01/26 2:00 p.m. concert at Regis College, Weston (Prep., Sinfonia, Phil., and Y.S.) 12/11/26 Primo Concert in Rivera Recital Hall at 6:00 p.m. 02/07/27 2:00 p.m. concert at Regis College, Weston (Prep., Sinfonia, Phil., and Y.S.) 05/02/27 Final Concert at 2:00 p.m. at Mechanics Hall, Worcester (all orchestras) 05/07/27 In-person auditions for RYO for 2027–2028 school year 05/14/27 In-person auditions for RYO for 2027–2028 school year RYO Policies How to Register for RYO on ASAP 2026–2027 RYO Calendar RYO Handbook Tuition Rates Questions? Please contact: Katherine Greene, Youth Orchestra Manager orchestramanager@rivers.org

Privacy Policy A legal disclaimer The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations and information on how to write your own document of a Privacy Policy. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do, because we cannot know in advance what are the specific privacy policies you wish to establish between your business and your customers and visitors. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of your own Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy - the basics Having said that, a privacy policy is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways a website collects, uses, discloses, processes, and manages the data of its visitors and customers. It usually also includes a statement regarding the website’s commitment to protecting its visitors’ or customers’ privacy, and an explanation about the different mechanisms the website is implementing in order to protect privacy. Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations of what must be included in a Privacy Policy. You are responsible to make sure you are following the relevant legislation to your activities and location. What to include in the Privacy Policy Generally speaking, a Privacy Policy often addresses these types of issues: the types of information the website is collecting and the manner in which it collects the data; an explanation about why is the website collecting these types of information; what are the website’s practices on sharing the information with third parties; ways in which your visitors and customers can exercise their rights according to the relevant privacy legislation; the specific practices regarding minors’ data collection; and much, much more. To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Privacy Policy ”.

Summer Programs Registration info for all summer programs REGISTER ONLINE Financial Aid Limited need-based financial aid is available for all summer programs. To apply, please complete the following two steps: Submit the financial aid application before submitting your summer program application on CampInTouch. Submit your CampInTouch application(s) and be sure to select “Check” as your payment method on your application. Once your financial aid decision is made, your account balance will be updated and you will be contacted for any deposit(s) or tuition due. Health Forms Click here for instructions on how to submit your child’s Health History & Health Form online. Summer Band A week-long, mornings-only program for winds, brass, and percussion players entering grades 5-12. In one week, students learn repertoire and prepare for a final concert. Music is at the Junior District level and includes a variety of styles from classical to movie music! Learn more about Summer Band Summer Jazz & Contemporary Music A two-week, full-day immersion into jazz studies for students entering grades 3-12. Both students new to jazz/improvisation and more experienced players are welcome. Learn more about Summer Jazz & Contemporary Music Summer Music A two-week, full-day chamber music program for students ages 8-18. Students of any wind, string, brass, or piano are welcome to audition. Emphasis is on community, and all students are placed in a chamber ensemble with students of similar ability. Learn more about Summer Music Summer Orchestra A week-long, mornings-only orchestra program for string players entering grades 5-12. There are multiple orchestra levels to accommodate beginner through advanced students. Each day includes rehearsals, sectionals, and a break with refreshments. Learn more about Summer Orchestra Summer Percussion A week-long, mornings-only orchestra program for string players entering grades 5-12. There are multiple orchestra levels to accommodate beginner through advanced students. Each day includes rehearsals, sectionals, and a break with refreshments. Learn more about Summer Percussion Summer Suzuki A week-long, full-day or mornings-only Suzuki program for violinists, cellists, and guitarists ages 3-12. Students will engage in daily master classes, learn and solidify new skills in the Suzuki Technique and Musicianship Class, and more. The week then concludes with performances! Learn more about Summer Suzuki

Holiday Pops A Family Event to Benefit the RSC Financial Aid Fund Saturday, December 6, 2025 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Benson Gymnasium in MacDowell Athletic Center The Rivers School 333 Winter St Weston, MA 02493 Rivers Holiday Pops 2024 12/7/24 ABOUT THE EVENT Bring the whole family to Holiday Pops for a winter wonderland of live music, delicious food, and prizes. This year’s celebration will be even more special as we celebrate RSC’s 50th anniversary season! Enjoy performances by Marimba Magic, Upper School Musical Theater Program, Rivers Honors Big Band, and Rivers Youth Symphony ensembles. Proceeds will support the RSC Financial Aid Fund, which makes our world-class music education programs accessible to all. TICKETS Tickets for this benefit event are $75 for general admission, $40 for members of the Rivers Professional Community (faculty/staff), and $25 for students 18 and under (please note that students who are performing do not need a ticket to the event). The Rivers School Conservatory values all members of our community and it is our goal to accommodate all circumstances. A limited number of “pay what you can” tickets are available for this event. For more information about our “pay what you can” option, please contact the RSC office at music@rivers.org or (781) 235-6840. Guests can also purchase a ‘gift ticket’ to help underwrite this opportunity and make this event accessible to all members of our Rivers community. RAFFLE Raffle prizes will include concert tickets, museum passes, vacation stays, and more (stay tuned for more info). Raffle tickets are available for $10 per ticket. On the day of the event, you place your raffle ticket(s) into the box of the prize(s) you wish to win. HEADS OR TAILS – A Holiday Pops tradition! For $10, you can purchase a Heads or Tails necklace to join this exciting game. Participants with the necklaces are asked to stand up and choose to put their hands on their head or their tail. Each turn, a coin is flipped and those who chose the winning side (heads or tails) continue until there is one winner left standing—a favorite tradition for Holiday Pops aficionados! SPONSORSHIPS Becoming a sponsor for Holiday Pops is more than just a way to support the arts at Rivers and RSC—it’s a commitment to prioritizing world-class faculty, creating opportunities for all students to access our programs, and to ensuring experiences like these continue to shape our next generation of artists, scholars, and leaders. Your sponsorship is a 100% tax-deductible donation in addition to your ticket purchase and includes a listing in the evening program book (deadline for program book inclusion is November 24, 2025).