North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble (nTyme)

North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble (nTyme) offers Beginning Strings, where children in third grade or higher, or those ready to move beyond Mommy/Daddy 'n Me, learn violin, viola, cello, or bass. It also offers Intermediate Strings, Strings Orchestra, Beginning Band, Intermediate & Advanced Band, Endpin Ensemble for cello and string bass players, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Community Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Mommy/Daddy 'n Me for parents and their toddler children.

Programs

• Beginning Strings — Children in third grade or higher, or ready to advance beyond Mommy/Daddy 'n Me · Learn violin, viola, cello, or bass; parents are also instructed on instrument selection and sizing.
• Intermediate Strings — Weekly · Focus on mastery of individual arrangements, rehearsal skills, and growing independence.
• Strings Orchestra — Advanced string musicians and qualified new students; performs at annual concerts and festivals.
• Beginning Band — For students new to playing musical instruments; covers music fundamentals, theory, technique, and ensemble playing.
• Intermediate & Advanced Band — For students with some experience who are ready to expand repertoire, technique, and ensemble skills.
• Endpin Ensemble — Unique ensemble for cello and string bass players.
• Chamber Orchestra — Advanced middle and high school musicians · Advanced group performing challenging high school and classical music.
• Symphony Orchestra — Intermediate orchestra program for students with some experience who are ready for more advanced music theory, ensemble playing, and performance techniques.
• Community Orchestra — Elementary, middle, and high school students; adults also eligible · Combines school-age students and adults, including alumni; requires audition for students before rehearsal, adults do not need to audition.
• Jazz Band — Elementary, middle, and high school; adults can fill needed parts · Plays jazz, swing, and Top 40 songs; members must be capable of reading and playing music on their instrument.
• Mommy/Daddy 'n Me — Parents and their toddler children · Introductory class for parents and toddlers to begin their musical journey together.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Preschool through high school; adults/post-high school graduates are limited to specialty groups and the North Torrance Community Orchestra.

About the provider

North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble was founded in June 2007. It is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization led by Director Glen Kamida and President Hiroko Eddow. Its mission is to provide organizational, logistical, and financial support to the North Torrance Symphony Orchestra, North Torrance Jazz Band, North Torrance String Orchestras, and North Torrance Wind Ensembles. The organization supports concerts, competitions, community events, and music festivals in Southern California.

No prior musical knowledge or ensemble experience is required to participate in most groups. Student membership is preschool through high school. Adult/post-high school graduate membership is limited to specialty groups at the director's invitation and the North Torrance Community Orchestra. Verification of academic and citizenship eligibility, when required, must be provided for any nTyme event. Verification of school and/or parent approval, when required, must be provided for travel. Placement in specialty groups is determined by the Director.

Last updated October 10, 2026.