Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras, or JSYO, is a youth orchestra based in Jacksonville, Florida.
| Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras | |
|---|---|
| Youth orchestra | |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Concert hall | Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts |
| Principal conductor | Deanna Tham |
| Website | www |
Overview
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 Deanna Tham
- Philharmonic – advanced full symphony orchestra, conducted by Deanna Tham
- 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
Musical Instruction
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
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.