Founded by Musicopia in 2005, the Musicopia String Orchestra program is based on the philosophy that participating in serious, long-term musical endeavors can have a transformative impact on students, encouraging discipline, teamwork, and personal and creative development. MSO serves students throughout the greater Philadelphia region with three levels of ensemble: Musicopia Prelude Players (MPP), Musicopia Young String Players (MYSP), and Musicopia String Orchestra. Many of the students learned to play their instruments in school, and for them being in MSO is often their first ensemble playing experience. The orchestra program is open to students from public, private, parochial, and charter schools, and to students who are home-schooled.

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From the students in MSO, an outreach chamber ensemble with flexible instrumentation, known as the X-tet, is formed. The X-tet performs at events around the Philadelphia area and has received wide acclaim for its high level of playing and joyful demeanor. Email jessica.morel@musicopia.net if you would like the X-tet to perform at your event.

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All MSO students rehearse every Tuesday with a core faculty of passionate and committed teaching artists  preparing for their performances, and participating in special projects and collaborations with guest artists or groups. In addition to the weekly full orchestra rehearsals, supplemental activities provided may include intensive chamber coaching for advanced students and various collaborations with guest performers.

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For the 2024-25 season, the Musicopia String Orchestras will rehearse at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (201 S 21st St). 

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Do not let transportation be a barrier for students looking to join MSO. For more information about transportation provided by Musicopia, please reach out to leslie@musicopia.net.

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