Camellia Juniors & Cadets Orchestras

The Camellia Symphony Orchestra has two student orchestras: Cadets is the beginner/intermediate level orchestra and the Juniors Orchestra is the intermediate/advanced level.

The goal is to provide the students with an orchestra experience outside of their school that will challenge and advance their music-making skills, while also being fun and rewarding.

Juniors and Cadets conductor Reylynn Imai

Mrs. Imai is a local musician and teacher who had a great musical education both in her local school orchestra and various youth music programs.

“Playing in an ensemble not only aids in a student’s understanding of ensemble playing–their reading development, ear training and rhythmic development–but is a great opportunity to connect and form friendships with their musician peers and boost their enjoyment of their instrument.”

General requirements for Cadets and Juniors strings

Cadets are students who are comfortable in first position playing one octave scale and capable of reading music up to at least two sharps.

Juniors are students able to play two octave scales in the first and third positions and reading music up to at least four sharps and three to four flats.

How to join

Students can join by sending a video of an unaccompanied short solo, no longer than two minutes, of any piece demonstrating their abilities on their instrument. Recordings can be sent to reylynny@gmail.com. She will use these recordings for seatings for students.

Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at Miwok Middle School. Cadets meet from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Juniors meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This earlier start for students lets them get home at a reasonable hour on school nights.

Students should arrive on time and should be in their seats, ready to play by start time of each rehearsal.

The season begins September 10 and ends with a final concert on May 30. No rehearsals will be held on November 26, December 17, December 24 and December 31, 2025, as well as on February 25 and April 1, 2026.

Tuition

Tuition is $250 per student for the year, and scholarships are available for those who can demonstrate financial need.

Camellia Symphony Orchestra Juniors and Cadets parents receive a nontransferable season pass for Camellia Symphony Orchestra’s concerts.

Juniors and Cadets may attend Camellia Symphony Orchestra concerts for free. Students should let Mrs. Imai know one week ahead of the concert.

Rehearsals 

Rehearsals are at California Middle School, 1600 Vallejo Way, Sacramento CA 95818.