The Orchestras

Spokane Youth Orchestra (SYO)

Verne Windham: Conductor

The senior orchestral group is comprised primarily of students in high school and a few college age musicians who continue to appreciate the educational opportunities by studying with the group. By the time students reach the SYO group, they have had years of private study and have distinguished themselves musically in performance and placement in area competitions. It is from this point that the student musician graduates into professional study or instruction. Members of the SYO also have an opportunity to compete in a Concerto Competition and participate in chamber groups.

Junior Symphonic Orchestra (JSO)

Julian Gomez-Giraldo: Conductor

The Junior Symphonic Orchestra is a full orchestra with woodwind, brass and percussion sections as well as strings. The music becomes very challenging for the students at this point as they see everyone's contribution in helping to shape the success of the overall orchestra. Competition for placement becomes a bit stiffer and the maturing musicians must show an enormous amount of devotion to their tasks. The Junior Symphonic Orchestra students generally range in age from 13 to 16 years.

Junior Orchestra (JO)

Faye Atwood: Conductor

The Junior Orchestra stretches the students' musical skills with a more challenging orchestral experience. To be placed in the JO group, the student must be able to sight-read, perform a short solo selection and understand the technical merit of an etude. In addition, the students are introduced to the historical significance of the composer and the music and can begin to understand the structure of the piece and the part they perform. Students in Junior Orchestra are generally 11 to 15 years old.

Intermediate String Orchestra (ISO)

Heather Montgomery: Conductor

At the Intermediate String Orchestra level, personal and musical skills that the parent and the private teacher have encouraged are validated through the new orchestra experience. Students begin to learn rhythmic/melodic alterations, tempo changes and dynamics. Sight-reading skills are tested as new music is introduced and the young musicians can see their skills blend with others by practicing cooperation and teamwork. The Intermediate String Orchestra students range from ages 10 to 13 years and play at early intermediate to intermediate skill levels. Because of the level of music, private lessons are highly recommended.

Photos Courtesy of Libby Photography Studio

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