Cadet String Orchestra

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.

SPRING QUARTER 2025 DETAILS

Rehearsals Spring Quarter Dates
Mondays from 5:00 – 6:15 pm 3/24, 3/31, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, and 5/12
There is no rehearsal on April 7 (Spring Break).
Rehearsal Location Drop Off/ Pick Up
Lake Washington High School Please plan on prompt drop off and pick up to
12033 NE 80th St avoid congestion.
Kirkland, WA 98033
Retreat Date & Time
Retreats take place in TBD
Fall and Winter quarters only.
Spring Concert Date & Time
Meydenbauer Theater Saturday, May 17 @3pm
11100 NE 6th St Call time: 2:00 PM
Bellevue, WA 98004  See below for more details.

Student Checklist

  • Bring a music stand
  • Bring a pencil
  • Bring a water bottle
  • 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.
For more details about the absence policy, please see the BYSO Student Handbook.

CONCERT DETAILS | Saturday, May 17 @ 3:00 pm

CALL TIME | 2:00 PM
All musicians should arrive promptly 2:00 pm.

DROP OFF & PARKING
Musicians can be dropped off via the garage below the Meydenbauer Center. Parking cannot be reserved ahead of time. Rates are $7.00 for 1 hour, $11.00 for 1-3 hours, and $13 for 3-5 hours. For more details, click HERE to view parking information on the Meydenbauer website.

CONCERT ATTIRE
Be sure to check your ensemble’s concert attire requirements. Students must arrive wearing their concert clothing. They will not have a place to change later.

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Reminder to bring your instrument, music, a pencil, and any instrument accessories (i.e. reeds, resin, etc.). You do not need to bring a music stand.

STAY THE WHOLE TIME
It is expected that all students playing in the concert stay for the entire concert. Please do not request that BYSO staff retrieve your student from backstage so that you can leave early.

VOLUNTEERS – WE NEED YOU!
Volunteers will be a vital part of a successful day at Meydenbauer for all of our students. We need volunteers to help the check in process and supporting ensembles during their dress rehearsals. Volunteers have early access to reserve their seats in the hall. Click here to sign up now! 

MEYDENBAUER CONCERT TICKETS
Families of enrolled BYSO students may find the concert ticket link in the weekly newsletter. Community members will be able to purchase tickets on May 1.Reminder: BYSO musicians performing in the concert do not need their own ticket.

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.

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.

Contact Andrew Kam at cadet@byso.org

Messages from the Conductor

Spring 2025, Notes and Tempo Markings:

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).

Violin 1

Spring, m.26 – m.38, q = 152

Spring Solo, m.67 – m.78, q = 152

Ludwig’s Tango, m.34 – m.49, q = 116

Violin 2

Spring, m.26 – 38, q = 152

Ludwig’s Tango, m.34 – m.49, q = 116

Cello

Spring, m.34 – m.45, q = 152

Tango, m.11 – m.21, q = 116

Link to Cadet Orchestra Handbook

 

 

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