What kind of time commitment is required to be part of the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Organization?
Most groups have a 2-hour rehearsal scheduled once a week during the academic school year and musicians are expected to come prepared to participate in all rehearsals. The concert schedule varies from as few as one performance a semester to multiple concerts in the higher level groups. All groups attend summer camp either 2 or 3 days at the beginning of the season. The string-only and middle level winds groups participate in a one-day local tour. The top three groups travel at least three days a year.
How are musicians selected for specific groups?
Students participate in auditions and receive group invitations based on these. Open auditions are held each May for the following season. Current musicians audition each year. Auditions for openings in specific groups are held on an as-needed basis.
Are students expected to be in their school music programs?
Students must participate in their school instrumental music programs. The daily instruction and opportunities for honor groups are invaluable. Students not participating will be released. Exceptions are home schoolers and students who do not have a program in their schools.
Are students selected from only certain schools or private teachers?
We have over 400 student musicians in the organization from many different school districts, at least 50 different school programs and over 100 private teachers.
Are tours and camps optional?
Tours and camps are extremely valuable for developing leadership, character, musicality and social relationships. The entire group benefits from the participation of each musician and suffers in their absence, so unless there are extenuating circumstances, musicians should plan to participate in camp and tour. There is no additional fee for camp and one-day tours.
Is tuition expensive?
Tuition includes the costs of procuring music, the instruction of reputed conductors, the costs of rehearsal and concert venues, individual and sectional coaching from professional musicians, leadership training, summer camp, one-day tours, tickets to Pikes Peak Center concerts and quality performance opportunities. For the past year, the musician’s experience in the organization was $4-$5 per contact hour. The Youth Symphony Association subsidizes all activities through fundraising, donor cultivation and other marketing activities. Scholarships are available for any musician who has financial need.
Is there any fundraising involved?
In order to keep tuition costs as low as possible the organization continually pursues grants and donations to subsidize costs. There are several optional fundraisers students can participate in order to directly reduce their tuition and tour costs. There is only one mandatory fundraiser, which is a raffle held mid-year.
Is there a volunteer commitment for parents?
