Article Contributed by
Chautauqua Region Youth Symphony
At their October meeting, Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony (CRYS) board members launched their annual fund drive for 2018-2019, the organization’s 32nd season.
“We are so excited about all the opportunities for CRYS students this year,” said Board President Nancy Larson. “We are especially looking forward to coaching by SUNY Fredonia Music faculty in addition to our own coaches, Cody Hiller and Marie Karbacka.”
The Chamber Orchestra of advanced students is in rehearsal now at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lakewood where they will present their Fall Chamber Concert on Sunday, November 18, at 7 p.m. The concert is free and will be followed by a reception.
Acclaimed conductor and performer Bryan Eckenrode leads all three CRYS orchestras, Prelude Strings and Young Artists Orchestra (YAO) as well as the Chamber Orchestra. His instruction will be enhanced with regular coaching by teaching professionals Cody Hiller and Marie Karbacka and periodic coaching by SUNY Fredonia School of Music faculty.
Board members are also planning enrichment opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to attend local professional performances, and plans are underway to combine campus tours with performances at SUNY Fredonia and Mercyhurst University.
Applications are being accepted now for Prelude Strings beginning string players (NYSSMA level I), YAO intermediate students (levels II and III), and Chamber (levels IV, V and VI). Rehearsals begin in January, with
Prelude rehearsing on Friday afternoons and YAO and Chamber onSaturdays, all at Gloria Dei. Interested students are encouraged toapply at CRYouthSymphony.com . CRYS students pay tuition, but no one is turned away for inability to pay. CRYS receives essential funding from foundations and other organizations in the community. While parents, board members and students all participate in fundraising, support by individuals and local organizations and businesses is essential.
The Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony shows appreciation for its contributors by recognition on its website and in printed concert programs. Donors can also receive complimentary admissions to the Spring Gala Concert that will be Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Chautauqua Institution’s Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall.
Tax-deductible contributions to the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony can be mailed to P.O. Box 3454, Jamestown, NY 14702 or made through the Donors page at CRYouthSymphony.com.
To learn more about CRYS and its programs for young musicians, email chautauquarys@gmail.com, or visit the website at CRYouthSymphony.com or the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony’s Facebook page.