Author: Kevin Vortmann

BYSO musicians are invited to participate in the ‘Greater Than’ Project (Brian Balmages, composer) – a virtual orchestra collaboration between 5^th through 12^th grade students from Bellevue School District, and our very own BYSO ensembles! Participation information is currently available on the conductor’s notes pages of Cadet String Orchestra, Sinfonia, and Youth Symphony.

What is a virtual orchestra? A virtual orchestra is an ensemble that is put together from the comfort and safety of home. Musicians record their parts using whatever technology is available and then send their parts to their teachers. The teachers then edit and arrange all the recordings and put them together to create an orchestra! Students can choose to submit either video or audio recordings.

The first set of recordings are due this Friday, May 29. Contact your conductor with any questions.

BYSO Seniors – Since this year did not quite go according to plan, we want to make sure we do a little something special and different to celebrate you. Today through Friday, May 29, we are accepting short video recordings of yourself explaining a bit about yourself, what you are looking forward to, etc. A photo with a short description also works. We will create a nice compilation of your submissions.

Please email Brook at admin@byso.org for an upload link and details. We look forward to hearing from you and celebrating your accomplishments!

If your address has changed lately, please let us know by emailing admin@byso.org or info@byso.org. We would like to keep our database updated so that we can send end-of-year gifts, awards, and cards to the right people. Thank you!

New “Percussion Discussion” video, formerly known as “Lick of the Week,” from Percussion Ensemble conductor Mr. Benjamin. Take a look.

We are exploding with excitement. From all of us at BYSO, we cannot express how greatly we appreciate your contributions and support for our Virtual Garden Party. Frances Walton, BYSO founder at 92 years of age, says it wonderfully, “Music is the one thing you can carry around the world.” Your belief in our program makes all the difference. We cannot thank you enough. Cheers to more music ahead!

If you missed any video performances, you can view them on the front page of our website, on Facebook, or Instagram IGTV. Thank you!

We are so close to reaching our $20,000 fundraiser goal with only $126 left to go! Every dollar really goes a long way right now as we continue to employ our staff and create new adapted plans for our summer and fall seasons.

We are deeply appreciative of your support. Thank you.

Donate Today

What a Garden Party! Thank you all for participating by sponsoring our performers, sharing posts, and donating. Your gifts are truly important right now in ensuring BYSO is able to keep up with expenses while adapting new ways to keep music going in our community. Again, thank you for your support.

With such a positive response from our students, we decided to present you with an encore! Check out our Instagram, Facebook, and website for new videos this week at 1:00 PM.

Together, we have reached 97% of our $20,000 goal. Just $600 left go! Can you help us reach our goal?

Thank you for all your support.

Donate Today

 

We are 88% there! Thank you all for your contributions today and over the last few weeks. Together we have raised $17, 654.41 of our $20,000 goal. Please enjoy all the performances on our website, Facebook. and Instagram. Our staff and students have worked very hard to put on such a great show.

As the future for orchestras becomes more and more unclear, your support through contributions, shares, or likes, means everything to us right now. Thank you!

Donate Today

Tomorrow we celebrate the Grand Finale of BYSO’s 2020 Virtual Garden Party. Every hour from 9 am to 4 pm, a new video performance will be posted on our website, Facebook, and Instagram. We have lots in store for you including an impressive flute collaboration, a glockenspiel piece, and an appearance from Steve Reeder. We could not have done this without the hard work of our students, staff, families, and supporters.

See the full Virtual Garden Party performance schedule.

We have reached 77% of our $20,000 fundraising goal. Your help is appreciated now more than ever. Please consider donating or sharing our big event.

See you tomorrow, virtually, for a music-filled Garden Party!

Make a Contribution

Good morning! A big thank you to our contributors, large and small, for supporting BYSO during this very uncertain time. We have raised $15,278 of our $20,000 fundraiser goal and just have a few days left to go! Tune in on our website, Facebook, or Instagram at 1 PM today and tomorrow, and buckle up for a big grand finale on Saturday, May 9, where we will be showcasing a series of excellent performances from 9 AM – 4 PM.

Our staff and students continue to work hard to share the music. Consider donating or sharing our fundraiser event to your friends. Thank you for your continued support.

Donate Today