String orchestras

Turku Conservatory has four string orchestras for musicians of different skill levels from beginners to those studying for a profession. The teacher of the major subject assesses and directs students to the orchestras in agreement with the orchestra’s conductor.

Jousiniekat

This low-threshold orchestra (level 1) is intended for those who have not been playing string instruments for a long time. Joining students are expected to be able to control their instrument at a level that corresponds with approximately one year of studies and the first basic level competence or higher. However, students may have very different levels of competence, which is why we try to choose materials that suit all joining players. The aim is to learn the basics of ensemble playing and how an orchestra operates from preparing songs to performances.

The exercises improve the ability to play together with others through various tasks (such as scales, string instrument exercises and canon), and the programme includes a wide range of folk music, art music and light music with easy arrangements where possible.

In the school year 2024–2025, the orchestra meets on Tuesdays from 16.30 to 17.30 in the Mestarinkatu concert hall. The orchestra is led by Matti Moilanen. 

Jousitaiturit

The orchestra’s players are at level 2 in their studies. The exercises continue to focus on the basics of orchestra music. Ensemble playing is taken even further: the students will learn a great deal more about tone, staying in tune and keeping the rhythm accurate.

The programme contains popular and less known music: multidisciplinary folk music, art music and film and musical scores. The aim is to create arrangements that fit players at different stages of learning. The aim is to hone ensemble playing skills, the management of tone and rhythm as well as become better at perceiving and hearing music around you.

In the school year 2024–2025, the orchestra will meet on Mondays from 16.30 to 17.45 in the Crichton Hall. The C string orchestra is led and managed by Hanne Lund and Jaana Karjalainen.

Nuoret jouset

Young musicians who have progressed further in their studies (level 3) gain more skills in Nuoret jouset, where they practise the basic principles of orchestra play, such as playing under the leadership of a conductor, how to use string instruments in a uniform manner, the unity of their own group of instruments, developing their listening skills and achieving uniform phrasing.

In the school year 2024–2025, the B string orchestra practises on Tuesdays from 17.45 to 19.45 in the Mestarinkatu concert hall. The orchestra is led by Olli Vartiainen and Hanna-Viola Miettinen.

Kamarijouset

The orchestra’s players are students of vocational upper secondary education and training and students of basic education in the arts who have been playing an instrument for a longer time (level 4). The orchestra’s main programme consists of key works composed for string instruments and small-scale symphony assemblies.

The orchestra has performed extensively both in Finland and abroad and has cooperated with Helsinki Conservatory, Tarto Eller Music School and Falun Conservatory orchestras.

In the school year 2024–2025, Kamarijouset practises in the Crichton Hall on Mondays from 18.00 to 20.00. The orchestra is led by Olli Vartiainen and Hanna-Viola Miettinen.

Schedules of spring term 2025 (in Finnish)