Ensembles
The BSYO offers orchestral ensembles designed for students of varying levels of playing ability. Additionally the BSYO offers Honors Chamber Ensemble groups, Masterclass Invitationals, and our Annual Concerto Competition. All students are required to provide their own instrument. Students who enroll in BSYO are required to participate in their school orchestra/band, if one exists.
String Ensemble
Conductor Meg McGivney | Mondays, 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m. | $400 per year
Designed for string students with at least one year of experience, the focus of this ensemble is on intermediate techniques, refined ensemble playing, and the exploration of different musical style periods. Students should be comfortable reading and playing music in first position in the keys of D, G, and C major.
Comparable levels: ASTA grade level 1 - 2 or FOA ES - DS String Orchestra literature.
Festivo
Conducted by Michelle Eggen | Mondays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | $500 per year
Intermediate string students learn and refine upper level skills such as shifting and vibrato. Intermediate to advanced literature is emphasized. Students should be comfortable reading and playing music in first and third positions (with the addition of fourth position for cello and one-half through fourth position for double bass).
Comparable levels: ASTA grade level 2 -3.5 or FOA DS-CS string orchestra literature.
Chamber Orchestra
Conducted by Ethan Hasker | Mondays, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. | $500 per year
Advanced string students who have mastered vibrato through the basic ranges of the instrument concentrate on the production of a variety of dynamics and tone colors as they refine technical skills of right and left hand.
Comparable levels: ASTA grade level 3-4.5 or FOA CS- BS string orchestra literature.
Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Nick Eggen | Mondays 6:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.| $500 per year
This orchestra is our flagship ensemble comprised of the most advanced string, wind, and percussion students. Students should be comfortable reading and playing music in the practical range of their instrument. Students should also be able to maintain characteristic tone through all dynamic ranges and a wide variety of tone colors.
Comparable levels: ASTA grade level 4.5-5.5 or FOA AF full orchestra literature.
Honors String Quartets
Annual Concerto Competition
Honors Symphony String Quartet | Mondays, 5:15 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Honors Chamber String Quartet | Mondays, 8:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
New this year, the honors chamber ensembles perform on one concert each semester, and may participate in community events and Brevard Symphony concerts. This year's pilot program is by invitation only, but we hope to open this option to all interested students in the future.
Dates and Clinicians TBA, one per semester.
Application fee: $25 (free for BSYO students)
Admission: $10 (free for BSYO students)
Masterclasses offer a unique opportunity for students to enjoy individual feedback from a professional musician while offering other students the chance to learn. Think of a masterclass like an open private lesson. Students may submit to perform at the masterclass working directly with the guest clinician, or they may attend and learn from the audience. Masterclass Invitationals are open to all students in the Brevard community.
Application Deadline: TBA
First Round: TBA
Finalists Recital: TBA
The Concerto Competition is held annually for advanced BSYO members wishing to compete for an opportunity to perform alongside the Symphony Orchestra on the Spring Finale Concert. Students must submit an application to compete. Following receipt of the application, applicants will compete first in a preliminary round (which may be unaccompanied). If they are selected to move forward, applicants will perform at the Finalists Recital in January, where the winner will be decided. The Concerto Competition winner will perform on the Spring Finale Concert with the Symphony Orchestra.