Cadet String Orchestra

  • Winter Quarter music was sent out via the newsletter on January 3rd. The newsletter was sent via email to the primary email address we have on file for each enrolled student. To download music, click the following link and enter the password found in that newsletter: Winter Quarter 2025 Music.
  • Click here for Conductor’s Messages

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.

WINTER QUARTER 2025 DETAILS

Rehearsals Winter Quarter Dates
Mondays from 5:00 – 6:15 pm 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10
There is no rehearsal on 1/20 and 2/17. 
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
Winter Retreat Date & Time
Odle Middle School Saturday, February 8 (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
502 143rd Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98007
Winter Concert  Date & Time
Meydenbauer Theater Monday, March 17 at 7:00 pm
11100 NE 6th St Note this change!
Bellevue, WA 98004

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.

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

Week 4 (10/14)

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at retreat this weekend! Retreat is a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience a longer, comprehensive rehearsal. We also host team building activities.  

Next Monday (Week 5, 10/21), we will hold seating auditions during rehearsals. Students who choose to audition will play 1:1 for their coach, who will be assessing their ability to play accurate notes and rhythms, perform correct dynamics and articulations, as well as share any expressive techniques (vibrato, etc.). Below are the seating audition excerpts:

* Violin 1: Dunloe, m.3 – d.b. 18; Storm, m.25 – d.b.59

* Violin 2: Dunloe, m.19 – d.b.38; Storm, m.25 – d.b.59

* Viola: Dunloe, m.19 – d.b.38; Storm, m.25 – d.b.59

* Cello: Dunloe, m.19 – d.b.38; Storm, m.63 – m.79

Dunloe, q = 112

Storm, q = 170


Recording for Gap of Dunloe

Recording for Storm

Seating Auditions:

  • auditions are optional
  • in-person only during rehearsal on Monday, 10/23
  • 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).

 

Link to Cadet Orchestra Handbook

 

 

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