|
The Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra (SSYO) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009. SSYO includes the Wind Ensembles, String Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Combo, and classical chamber music ensembles. In addition, this year we launched two pre-SSYO programs, Progressions String Ensemble and Progressions Wind Ensemble.
As a long-term goal, we are committed to giving every musician the opportunity to perform in a full symphony orchestra. The Progressions program is designed to make a roadmap to the symphony for each participating musician. To teach the musical elements necessary to be successful in an ensemble we have local conductors and experienced musicians both share stands with the student musicians and conduct the Progressions ensembles. The local conductor develops personal relationships with the musicians to develop individualized music plans for each musician, in coordination with their public school programs, to be successful at SSYO. To date we have enrolled nearly 20 musicians and some have already progressed to higher level ensembles! For our more advanced musicians, SSYO has partnered with the White House to bestow the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to SSYO musicians who volunteer their time to perform for others in their home community or their peers at school music programs. SSYO believes that strong musicians make stronger leaders and successful college applicants. We instill a belief in sharing music with others, from the early stages of performance to performing at formal benefits for nonprofit organizations in the region. Our symphony orchestra members will be participating in two unique initiatives this year. First, they will perform an original work commissioned by SSYO and composed by international composer Hilary Tann. The work is entitled High Rock Spring. The composer will work with the students at each step of the composition process to demonstrate and engage the students in the activity of a live composer. They will perform the premiere at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Finally, in coordination with the International Society for Arts in Healthcare, our symphony orchestra musicians will have the opportunity to participate in an original music therapy research study. The study is being conducted by a national health care organization, published music therapists, and a statistical consultant from an international firm in Los Angeles. SSYO is committed to developing our musicians to the fullest extent possible, giving them every academic, artistic, and leadership advantage possible and for them to be able to pursue music as a lifetime activity. Join us on this journey. Auditions for Progressions ensembles are by appointment. Auditions for our other ensembles are scheduled for 1/25/2009 or by appointment. Please send an email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for an application or call 584-4132 ext 207. BECOME...BELIEVE...BELONG. |
