Author: Kevin Vortmann

We are looking for helpers to set up and break down rehearsal spaces on Monday evenings. The time commitment is 45 minutes but the task is typically finished quicker. Sign up on our Volunteer Calendar. Thank you!

October is the Month of Giving! If you are a Microsoft or King County employee, this is a fantastic time to donate to an organization you feel passionate about.

For Microsoft employees, donate and choose Microsoft as your company match. Microsoft will match your gift.

For King County employees, visit the Employee Giving Program and enter BYSO’s organization code: 9535. You can donate through an automatic monthly payroll deduction, give a one-time gift, convert vacation hours to a cash donation, and/or be anonymous in your giving while still receiving tax deduction materials.

Thank you in advance for giving the gift of music to our youth. BYSO is a nonprofit organization that depends on the generosity of people like to you to support its mission. All donations are tax-deductible.

Retreats for Cadet & Debut will be held this Saturday at Odle Middle School. Plan to bring your instrument, music, music folder, music stand, and a pencil. BYSO will provide a mid-morning snack and pizza lunch.

Meet the Conductor! Parents – you are invited to stay for the first 30 minutes of the retreat to meet your conductor and hear what they have to say about their expectations and vision for the upcoming season.

See below or check the calendar for specific times:

Cadet: 9 am – 12 pm

Debut: 9 am – 1:00 pm

Tuition for BYSO’s 2019-20 season is due today. Visit the BYSO Shop to pay tuition. Financial assistance is available. Learn more about financial aid and apply.

Retreats for Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, Flute Orchestra, and Flute Choir ensembles will be held this Saturday at Odle Middle School. Plan to bring your instrument, music, music folder, music stand, and a pencil. BYSO will provide a mid-morning snack and pizza lunch.

See below or check the calendar for specific times:

Youth Symphony: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Philharmonia: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Flute Choir: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Flute Orchestra: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Sign up to help at BYSO’s upcoming Saturday retreats – Sept. 28, Oct. 5, and Oct. 12. Tasks include point-person, set-up, break-down, and lunch help. Shifts average about 1.5 hours. To sign up, visit our Volunteer Calendar and choose your preferred shift. Thank you in advance!

 

 

First rehearsals of the season begin tonight. Also tonight we are holding the first of two parent meetings.

Students, please always plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your rehearsal start time. For rehearsal times and locations, visit our Rehearsal page. Bring your instrument, music stand, and a pencil.

Tonight’s parent meeting will take place at Sherwood Forest Elementary School, starting at 6:45 PM. This meeting will be geared more towards Cadet and Debut parents. We will also hold a second parent meeting at Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center next Monday, September 23 at 6:45 PM. It is encouraged parents come to one of these meetings.

Auditionees will be notified by Thursday, Sept. 12 of their ensemble assignments. If you have not heard from the BYSO office by Friday morning, please contact us at info@byso.org or call 425.467.5604.

Rehearsals begin on Monday, Sept. 16. Check our rehearsal page for times and locations, listed by ensemble.

Parents are highly encouraged to attend one of BYSO’s parent meetings, which will provide an overview of our upcoming season. A parent meeting will be held during rehearsal on Monday, Sept. 16 for our younger ensembles and on Monday, Sept. 23 for our advanced ensembles. More details will be provided by email.

 

All registrants who paid their audition fee, except for those on the wait list, have been sent a confirmation email outlining their audition time and location. Plan to come early to your audition so that you are warmed up and ready by your scheduled time.

Fall audition registration is officially closed. We may make exceptions for musicians who play viola, double bass, bassoon, or a low brass instrument. Call the office at 425.467.5604 or email the BYSO office at auditions@byso.org to request.

There are several opportunities and events during auditions this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for waiting parents and siblings:

1. Volunteer – We still need several volunteers at auditions. Volunteering will make time fly by as you wait for your young musician to finish auditioning. High school students are also encouraged to help. Sign up on our volunteer calendar.
2. Donate to The Sophia Way – BYSO will have donation boxes for those wishing to give to our friends at The Sophia Way, an organization dedicated to women experiencing homelessness in King County. Check their list of shelter needs.
3. Participate at NIKO’s Yard Sale – On Saturday, there will be a yard sale outside hosted by NIKO, a support group of Japanese speaking parents who have children with developmental and intellectual challenges. Consider bringing extra cash to purchase some of the many goods that will be available there. See poster.