Cadet String Orchestra

In-Person Rehearsals:
In-person rehearsals follow WA State DOH guidelines for schools. We are watching evolving School District and State COVID guidelines and will make changes accordingly. Click here for complete BYSO COVID Policy and Procedures.

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.

BYSO SPRING QUARTER 2023

SPRING QUARTER 2023 DETAILS

Rehearsals Spring Quarter Dates
Mondays from 5:00 – 6:15 pm March 27 – May 22, 2023 (No rehearsal on 4/10)
Rehearsal Location Drop Off/ Pick Up
Northwest Arts Center Please plan on prompt drop off and pick up to
9825 NE 24th Street avoid congestion, as the parking lot is small.
Bellevue, WA 98004 Please see below for more specific instructions.
Retreat Fall & Winter Quarters Only
The next BYSO retreats will be
held in the 2023-24 Season.
Spring Concert | Showcase Sunday, May 21 at 4:30 pm
Meydenbauer Theatre Call times and more will be posted as we get
11100 NE 6th St closer to the concert.
Bellevue, WA 98004

Drop Off/Pick Up Instructions for Northwest Arts Center

Please continue to be mindful of all of our student, parent, and staff safety in the parking lot by reducing your speed and keeping an eye out for pedestrians. We have added a volunteer opportunity for Parking Lot Monitors that will help students navigate safely to/from the rehearsal venue and their family car.

Student Checklist

  • Bring a music stand
  • Bring a pencil
  • 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!

VOLUNTEERS – WE NEED YOU!
Volunteers will be a vital part of a successful Spring Quarter for all of our students. We need volunteers to help with attendance, setting up/tearing down, and supporting our students during their rehearsals. Click here to sign up now!


About

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.

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.

Contact Andrew Kam at cadet@byso.org

Messages from the Conductor

Happy New Year Cadet Families and welcome to the Winter Quarter!

With the first rehearsal in the books, I would like to share a bit about what we are working on:

Out of the Winter by Larry Clark is an exciting piece that features the second violins and violas (third violins) in the opening, followed by firsts, cellos and basses. The entire orchestra joins together to play jolting rhythmic chords after a visit into E minor before coming back to the original theme. Here is a recording: https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2465953

Goin’ to Boston by composer is a fun take on the traditional sea shanty, work songs that were sung aboard boats… such as those by voyagers, many centuries ago. This piece is vibrant, fun, and has plenty of 16th note and syncopations shared around the orchestra and between sections. https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2442671

Andrew Kam, Cadet String Orchestra Conductor

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