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 2026 DETAILS
Rehearsals
Winter Quarter Dates
Mondays from 5:00 – 6:15 pm
1/5, 1/12, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9.
There is no rehearsal on 1/19 for MLK Day
or on 2/16 for Presidents’ 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, February 7
502 143rd Ave NE
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bellevue, WA 98007
Fall Concert
Date & Time
Meydenbauer Center Theatre
Sunday, March 15 @ 3:00 pm
11100 NE 6th St
Call times TBD.
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.
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.
Tonight is Rehearsal #4, and we are going to announcing seating audition test spots. Seating auditions will take place next week Monday evening. Taking an audition is optional, and is an opportunity for students to “apply” to be considered as Concertmaster or Principal for their section at the Winter Concert.
🎻 Violin 1, 2
How to Train Your Dragon: m.61 – End, q=112
Remember Me (violin 1 only): m.1 – m.10, q=72
Finale from Symphony No. 94: Reh. E to Reh. F with repeats, q=108
🎻 Viola
How to Train Your Dragon: m.57- m.End, q=112
Remember Me: m.22 – m.38, q=72
Finale from Symphony No. 94: Reh. E to Reh. F with repeats, q=108
🎻 Cello
How to Train Your Dragon: m.43 – m.51, q=112
Remember Me: m.2 – m.17, q=72
Finale from Symphony No. 94: Reh. B to Reh. C with repeats, q=108
1/26/2026
Hello BYSO Families,
We’ve completed our initial reading rehearsals and are now entering the ensemble phase.
What is “Ensemble”? For new families, this means shifting focus from individual notes to playing as one. We are now working on listening to other sections, blending our sound, and following the conductor’s cues.
Preparation Goals Students should now be solid on their music. We encourage being comfortable enough to play from memory occasionally—this allows musicians to look up at the conductor and listen more deeply to the group.
Rehearsal Reminders
Be on time and come prepared with your music learned.
Always bring a pencil.
The Bow Check: Ensure both your instrument and bow are in your case before leaving home! It’s easy to forget a bow after a home practice session.
Important Dates
2/2: Seating audition announcements
2/7: Retreat
2/10: Seating auditions
See you at rehearsal!
Andrew Kam, Cadet String Orchestra Conductor
1/5/2026
Happy New Year Cadet Students and Families! I hope everyone had a restful break and feeling recharged for an exciting Winter Quarter with BYSO. Tonight we introduced all the new music for the Winter Quarter. Our program features two film scores and an energetic and spritely closer with the Finale from Haydn’s Symphony No. 94!
A few friendly reminders for rehearsals: (1) Please come to each rehearsal with instrument, music, pencil, and a positive attitude! (2) Do your best in sectionals – watch and listen to your coaches when asked, play when asked (and don’t play in between), and (3) make rehearsals fun, safe and welcoming by being respectful towards all individuals and their belongings.
Playlist for ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (coming soon)
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. 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.
