Chesco Youth Orchestra teaches students more than music
The Chester County Youth Orchestra is looking for a few good string, brass and reed players to harmonize at this year’s audition process.
The Chester County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) has positions open in all sections for student musicians in grades six through 12.
The orchestra specifically needs more viola, string bass, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba players.
CCYO’s associate conductor Tom Breton calls playing a musical instrument in the orchestra an exercise in discipline and a positive social opportunity for students. “To play a musical instrument takes discipline. Students must set up a goal and have the patience to stay with it,” he said.
The orchestra, sponsored by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, performs both special and private occasions throughout the county, and has played as far as Reading and the New Jersey shore.
This year students will perform musical pieces such as the “Fourth Symphony” by Mendelssohn, the “Eighth Symphony” by Dvorak, the “Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite” by Tchaikovsky, “Spanish Dance number one” by De Falla, “Petite Suite” by Debussy, and festive holiday music.
Breton, who leads the orchestra along with music director and conductor Mark Belczyk, is eager to have local youth audition.
“Music is important for young students, especially, throughout their development. It’s really a skill that they can have for a lifetime,” Breton said.
About 15 to 20 spots are open in the 75-seat group, according to CCYO president Stefan Menger.
Typically students have about three to four years of prior experience before joining the orchestra. Students who are accepted to the orchestra in prior years do not need to re-audition each year.
To audition, students are required to sight-read a song chosen by the conductor, play scales, and play a three to five minute concerto or solo piece of their choice.
After the auditions, conductors offer students detailed critiques of their musical performance.
Menger encouraged students who do not make it this year or in prior years to keep practicing and audition again in the future.
“Music lets students know that hard work will provide rewards sooner or later. Music can transfer to their nonmusical lives and help students reach their personal best. It’s a life-long learning process,” Menger said.
Students in the orchestra represent over 20 different school districts in the county, and practice on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 9 p.m. starting Sept. 23. Students are also urged to attend a CCYO camp where they will meet other student musicians and practice the season’s musical pieces from Sept. 19 and 20.
Kate Robertson, 17, a senior at Owen J. Roberts High School is a member of the CCYO and has been involved in the county orchestra for three years.
Robertson, of Chester Springs, enjoys playing her violin and making new friends from different school districts at CCYO. She has played her instrument for about 10 years and previously played in the Cobb County District Honors Orchestra.
“It’s a lot of fun, because we play professional arrangements and the conductors treat us like a professional orchestra. It’s a great opportunity to get together and play music,” Robertson said.
Through playing violin in the orchestra, Robertson has learned about classical music and leadership. She enjoys participating in the CCYO concerts and playing for retirement communities.
“I really think it’s helped me grow as a musician and become better at sight-reading. It’s been a great experience, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. It’s a great feeling knowing that people enjoy listening to us,” she said.
The Chester County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) has positions open in all sections for student musicians in grades six through 12.
The orchestra specifically needs more viola, string bass, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba players.
CCYO’s associate conductor Tom Breton calls playing a musical instrument in the orchestra an exercise in discipline and a positive social opportunity for students. “To play a musical instrument takes discipline. Students must set up a goal and have the patience to stay with it,” he said.
The orchestra, sponsored by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, performs both special and private occasions throughout the county, and has played as far as Reading and the New Jersey shore.
This year students will perform musical pieces such as the “Fourth Symphony” by Mendelssohn, the “Eighth Symphony” by Dvorak, the “Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite” by Tchaikovsky, “Spanish Dance number one” by De Falla, “Petite Suite” by Debussy, and festive holiday music.
Breton, who leads the orchestra along with music director and conductor Mark Belczyk, is eager to have local youth audition.
“Music is important for young students, especially, throughout their development. It’s really a skill that they can have for a lifetime,” Breton said.
About 15 to 20 spots are open in the 75-seat group, according to CCYO president Stefan Menger.
Typically students have about three to four years of prior experience before joining the orchestra. Students who are accepted to the orchestra in prior years do not need to re-audition each year.
To audition, students are required to sight-read a song chosen by the conductor, play scales, and play a three to five minute concerto or solo piece of their choice.
After the auditions, conductors offer students detailed critiques of their musical performance.
Menger encouraged students who do not make it this year or in prior years to keep practicing and audition again in the future.
“Music lets students know that hard work will provide rewards sooner or later. Music can transfer to their nonmusical lives and help students reach their personal best. It’s a life-long learning process,” Menger said.
Students in the orchestra represent over 20 different school districts in the county, and practice on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 9 p.m. starting Sept. 23. Students are also urged to attend a CCYO camp where they will meet other student musicians and practice the season’s musical pieces from Sept. 19 and 20.
Kate Robertson, 17, a senior at Owen J. Roberts High School is a member of the CCYO and has been involved in the county orchestra for three years.
Robertson, of Chester Springs, enjoys playing her violin and making new friends from different school districts at CCYO. She has played her instrument for about 10 years and previously played in the Cobb County District Honors Orchestra.
“It’s a lot of fun, because we play professional arrangements and the conductors treat us like a professional orchestra. It’s a great opportunity to get together and play music,” Robertson said.
Through playing violin in the orchestra, Robertson has learned about classical music and leadership. She enjoys participating in the CCYO concerts and playing for retirement communities.
“I really think it’s helped me grow as a musician and become better at sight-reading. It’s been a great experience, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. It’s a great feeling knowing that people enjoy listening to us,” she said.
