Cadet String Orchestra

  • Call times for our upcoming Fall Concert Series are now available. Scroll down for details.
  • Fall music links are now available! Instructions on how to access and print your music was sent out via the weekly newsletter on Thursday, September 18 at 4:00 pm. Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it. If you still don’t see it, email admin@byso.org for instructions.
  • 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.

FALL QUARTER 2025 DETAILS

Rehearsals Fall Quarter Dates
Mondays from 5:00 – 6:15 pm 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/17
There is no rehearsal on 11/10 (Veteran’s Day).
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 Location Date & Time
Odle Middle School Saturday, October 18
502 143rd Ave NE 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bellevue, WA 98007
Fall Concert Date & Time
Bastyr University Chapel Saturday, November 22 @ 3:00 pm
14500 Juanita Dr NE Call time: 2:00 pm
Kenmore, WA 98028 Scroll down 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, November 22 @ 3:00 pm

CALL TIME | 2:00 pm
All musicians should arrive promptly 2:00 pm. The dress rehearsal is from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm.

DROP OFF
Musicians can be dropped off via the parking lot next to Bastyr University Chapel.

PARKING
Parking is free in the lot next to the Bastyr University Chapel.

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.

VOLUNTEERS – WE NEED YOU!
Volunteers will be a vital part of a successful day at Bastyr 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!

BASTYR CONCERT TICKETS
Families of enrolled BYSO students get priority access to concert tickets at Bastyr on November 22, and can purchase tickets via the link sent in the weekly newsletter, starting Thursday, October 16 at 3:00 pm. On November 6, any remaining tickets will be open to the general public.

STAY THE WHOLE CONCERT
Performing students are expected to stay from their call time to the end of the concert. Listening to other musicians perform is an important part of each student’s music education, and it’s also important to support fellow BYSO musicians in this way.  Students who must leave early due to unavoidable schedule conflicts must get permission from their conductor and the BYSO office prior to the concert.

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

Update for Week 3 (10/13/2025)

Upcoming: Retreat, (optional) Seating Auditions

What happens at retreat and why is it valuable to my student? At retreat, we have extended sectional time with our coaches (it’s also our last sectional for the quarter), and we have double full group rehearsal time. Just as importantly – we have time built in for social activities and team bonding!

Seating Auditions. Seating auditions are optional and take place during Week 5 rehearsal (10/20). Auditions are used to determine the following leadership positions: Concertmaster, Assistant Concertmaster, Principals and Assistant Principals for 2nd Violin, Viola and Cello. There is no makeup auditions in order to maintain fairness. If your child plans on being absent and you’d like to send a recording, please do so before the deadline. Please understand consideration is given towards in-person auditions due to the nature of playing live.

Seating Audition Excerpts:

Violin 1:

– Regal March (q = 100), m.41 – End

– Trepak (q = 120), m.49 – End

Violin 2:

– Flower Moon (q = 86), m.24 – 31

– Trepak (q = 120), m. 25 – 41

Viola:

 

Cello:

– Flower Moon (q = 86), m.21 – 30

– Trepak (q = 120), m.17 – 32

 

 

Greetings Cadet Musicians and Families,

Welcome to the 2025 – 2026 season! Please continue to check this message page for updates.

Update (9/11/25)

  • Please look out for email for (1) music downloads and (2) violin part assignments. Families are required to print music prior to students arriving at first rehearsal. Students that do not have music will be loaned a copy for the rehearsal.
  • Seating Auditions are optional, and will take place on Monday 10/20. Audition excerpts will be announced at the rehearsal on Monday 10/13 and posted to the Conductor’s Message Page after the rehearsal.

Andrew Kam, Cadet Orchestra Conductor

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