Youth Symphony Launches Fund Drive, Preps For Concert
At their October meeting, Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony board members launched their annual fund drive for 2018-19, the organization’s 32nd season.
“We are so excited about all the opportunities for CRYS students this year,” said Nancy Larson, board president. “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 rehearses at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lakewood, where it will present its Fall Chamber Concert on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. The concert is free and will be followed by a reception.
Conductor and performer Bryan Eckenrode leads all three Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony orchestras — Prelude Strings and Young Artists Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra.
His instruction will be enhanced with regular coaching by Hiller and Karbacka and periodic coaching by State University at 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),
Young Artists Orchestra 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 on Saturdays, all at Gloria Dei. Interested students are encouraged to apply at CRYouthSymphony.com.
CRYS students pay tuition, but no one is turned away for inability to pay. The youth symphony receives 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, 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, N.Y., 14702 or made through the Donors page at CRYouthSymphony.com.
For more information, email chautauquarys@gmail.com, visit CRYouthSymphony.com or the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony’s Facebook page.