Rehearsals will be held on Monday evenings from 5:00 – 6:15 pm. Musicians are expected to arrive and be prepared to rehearse 15 minutes prior to start time.
Print your sheet music prior to first rehearsal (using link at top of this page) and bring with you to rehearsal
Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of rehearsal to ensure you are in your chair and ready to play at the start of rehearsal
Have fun!
ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR LAST REHEARSAL BEFORE THE CONCERT
Students who miss the final Monday night rehearsal before a concert may be required to submit a video recording of the seating audition excerpts (posted on the Cadet page of the BYSO website) in order to be deemed eligible to participate in the concert.
If a test is required, the student must submit it no later than 11:59 PM Thursday evening. Mr. Kam will review the submissions Friday morning and notify the student and parents of the results. Failure to submit a video may result in the student being disqualified from playing in the concert.
Cadet String Orchestra is an entry-level orchestra for strings. This BYSO ensemble is open to string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass), who are at least six years old, can read simple music easily, and are comfortable with their instrument. The typical Cadet String Orchestra student may have started the instrument only recently but has developed solid early proficiency and is prepared for the challenges of a large group setting. Students accepted into Cadet String Orchestra typically have been playing the instrument for one to three years.
Cadet String Orchestra is designed to be a young musician’s first group experience. Students receive instruction in following a conductor and playing as an ensemble. Prior orchestra experience is not required.
The repertoire for Cadet String Orchestra is mostly in first position, but it is still challenging, with some knowledge of sharps and flats required. Past works performed include arrangements of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and Balmages’s Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song.
Recent Cadet String Ensemble Performance:
Conductor: Andrew Kam
Andrew Kam received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Miami and his Master’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Oregon. Mr. Kam currently serves as Orchestra Director for Bellevue High School and is a violinist with Symphony Tacoma. Learn more.
Vivaldi’s Spring: q = 152, lighter bow strokes; challenging passages include m.26 for violins and violas, m.38 for cellos
Ludwig’s Tango: q = 116
Dragon Dances: h = 100; counting repeated figures, use 4th finger As and Es when possible, dynamic contrast
Seating Auditions for Spring Quarter:
auditions are optional
in-person only during rehearsal on Monday, 4/28
audition excerpts are shared during sectionals on Monday, 4/21
Seating auditions are intended to select Principal and Assistant Principal players. These musicians are the leaders in our orchestra and must demonstrate the highest level of individual musical skill, ensemble playing, and model excellent behavior during rehearsals and performances.
Seat assignments following seating auditions is not a ranking! Auditions are also used to carefully determine the best proximity for each individual (i.e. if a student demonstrates strong ensemble skills, they may be particularly helpful when placed towards the last row in order to “reinforce” the section).
