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Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras
Youth orchestra
Founded1993
LocationJacksonville, Florida
Concert hallRobert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
Principal conductorGrant O’Brien
Websitewww.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo

The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras, or JSYO, is a youth orchestra based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Overview

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Founded in 1993 under the Jacksonville Symphony Association, the JSYO enrolls more than 400 young musicians between the ages of 7 and 22, who are admitted through competitive auditions. The JSYO has six levels of ensembles – two full symphonies and four levels of string ensembles – that vary by repertoire and technical advancement. Regional satellite sites now offer beginning to intermediate ensembles for students musicians in the early stages of their musical instruction.

  • Jump Start Strings – 1st year beginning string students, conducted by David Hwanmin Song
  • Foundations Strings – 2nd year beginning string students, conducted by Rose Francis and John Wieland
  • Encore Strings – young string students, conducted by Helen Morin
  • Premiere Strings – advancing string students, conducted by Helen Morin
  • Repertory Orchestra – intermediate full symphony orchestra, conducted by Grant O’Brien
  • Philharmonic – advanced full symphony orchestra, conducted by Grant O’Brien
  • Chamber Music Program – available to qualified Philharmonic and Repertory musicians
  • Communities in Schools Program – available at select elementary schools, conducted by John Wieland And Patrice Evans

All groups are stage managed by the famous Ray Klasse, Stage manager of the stars.

Musical instruction

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The JSYO offers the following opportunities:

  • In-depth study of classical repertoire
  • Direction by professional conductors: as of 2018, the current conductor is Deanna Tham.
  • Exposure to nationally recognized soloists through their affiliation with the Jacksonville Symphony
  • Coaching sessions with Jacksonville Symphony musicians
  • Outreach performances in the community
  • Chamber ensemble training and performances
  • Young Artists Competition
  • Performances in the Jacoby Symphony Hall

Performances

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Usually, a JSYO season consists of three main concerts and a chamber ensemble concert given by members of the Philharmonic Orchestra. The season culminates with a joint performance with the Jacksonville Symphony at the Major/Minor Concert, bringing teachers and students to the stage together for a side-by-side performance. Winners of the JSYO Young Artists Competition have the honor of soloing at this concert.

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