Based on feedback, BYSO has updated the sight reading instructions to leave the metronome on. This applies only to the sight reading. No metronome is allowed to be used otherwise during your audition.
Author: Trudi Jackson
Trudi Jackson is a Seattle native who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She worked in marketing computer and networking systems in California, Sweden, and Washington. She has been active with the Bellevue Schools Foundation for the last twelve years, and also serves on the Bellevue Arts Commission. She is familiar with the on-the-go life of a BYSO parent, having raised two daughters who between them studied piano, organ, saxophone, cello, and voice. Ms. Jackson herself studied harp as a teenager.
Clarinet Audition Alert
Philharmonia and Youth Symphony clarinet audition requirements have been updated. Please check the audition levels for the etudes and the recommended tempi before submitting your audition.
Solidarity
Dear BYSO Community,
The United States is now confronting the intolerance, racism, and violence against African Americans that has persisted through the years. This systemic racism has resulted in limited choices for Black Americans in every way. This includes access to the beauty of orchestral music.
At BYSO, we have long been committed to being a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender identification, as reflected in our organizational values. We believe we can do more, as an organization and as a community. We can actively learn how to eliminate racism and make a more inclusive organization; we will listen to diverse voices and grow and change. We will invest to create opportunity. This will not be a quick process, but it is a vital one.
Music has the power to heal, to bring joy and to bring us together. Let us share our music to make a better world.
Percussion Lick of the Week
Percussionists, check out Mr. Benjamin’s weekly video tutorial and try something new in your practicing. You can then send a video back to Mr. Benjamin so he can see how you are doing.
Stay tuned every Saturday for a new Lick of the Week!
Rehearsals Cancelled
All BYSO rehearsals are suspended until further notice. Updates will be communicated via the BYSO website and email newsletters. Please check our Resources page for links to more information about coronavirus in our region. Please keep practicing your instrument!
March 8 and 9 Concerts Cancelled
Dear BYSO Families,
BYSO believes it is in the best interest of our community to cancel the concerts on Sunday, March 8th and Monday, March 9th.
We will be issuing credits for this concert for season tickets as well as tickets purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. If you would like to turn your ticket purchase into a donation, please let us know.
We know how hard everyone has worked to prepare for this concert and we absolutely appreciate your commitment and support.
Some March 2 Rehearsals at Chinook
Reminder: tonight’s rehearsals of Youth Symphony, Flute Orchestra, Flute Choir, and Percussion Ensemble will be held at Chinook Middle School.
March 2 Rehearsals as Scheduled
As of 3:00 p.m., all Bellevue Schools hosting our rehearsals are open for evening activities, so all rehearsals will go on as planned.
Any changes will be posted here.
Questions re Coronavirus 2019
BYSO wants all our families to stay informed and safe.
King County has its first cases of novel coronavirus. The vast majority of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. BYSO will follow Bellevue School District policy regarding any possible closures or cancellations at their facilities.
Sunday’s concerts at Meydenbauer Center will go on as scheduled.
See more information from King County. Seattle Public Schools has an informative post on their website.
As usual, if you have a fever, please stay home from rehearsals and concerts.
Please check our Resources page for more information about staying healthy and links to more information.
Philharmonia, PE Rehearse February 24 at Interlake
Philharmonia and Percussion Ensemble rehearsals will be at Interlake High School on Monday, February 24.
