YSSO Concerts

Unless otherwise noted on the schedule or announced through weekly e-mail reminders, all rehearsals for Youth Strings, Youth Orchestra, and Youth Symphony will be held each Sunday at North Medford High School. YSSO musicians and families should consult the schedule and watch for e-mail alerts throughout the year for updates, schedule changes and reminders about full ensemble and sectional rehearsals, special activities or events, and concert series or community outreach performances.

The Chamber Music Series program provides an opportunity for advanced YSSO musicians to learn and perform chamber music in community settings. YSSO Musicians complete and submit an application indicating an interest in being considered for selection for the program. The YSSO Music Director selects musicians and forms the ensembles. Musicians are assigned to an ensemble based upon technical proficiency, level of musical development and the number and structure of the ensembles. Musicians selected to participate in an ensemble receive assignments and information in late October. Musicians are expected to know their parts and rehearse at least two times in addition to the scheduled coached rehearsals. Chamber Music Series rehearsals and performances take place following the Fall Concert Series. In addition, some of the ensembles may be asked to perform in other venues throughout the season so musicians should be prepared to schedule additional rehearsals and learn additional repertoire. Please keep in mind that it may not be possible to accommodate all interested and qualified YSSO musicians. To view or download an application, please click here.

Tuition for the 2007-2008 season is $220.00 for each Youth Symphony musician, $195.00 for each Youth Orchestra musician and $170.00 for each Youth Strings musician. This year’s extended rehearsal/retreat fee for each Youth Symphony musician is $35.00 and $35.00 for each Youth Orchestra musician. The extended rehearsal/retreat fee for each Youth Strings musician is $15.00.

To view or download a registration form, please click here. For a tuition form, please click here.

All qualified musicians may participate in the YSSO regardless of financial circumstances. Partial or full tuition scholarships are available upon submission of a Scholarship Assistance request form. Click here to view or download the form. Each year, the YSSO seeks support from foundations, individuals and other funding sources to help underwrite Scholarship Assistance for YSSO musicians.

Please contact the YSSO office (ysso@mind.net or 541-858-8859) for information about scholarships.

Youth Orchestra
Saturday, October 6, 2007, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Ashland Middle School

Youth Symphony
Sunday, October 7, 2007, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Ashland Middle School

All members of the Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra are expected to participate in the YSSO’s Extended Rehearsals/Retreats. Each extended rehearsal/retreat will include intensive sectional and full ensemble rehearsal time interspersed with opportunities to meet the other members of the ensemble(s). Participation in the extended rehearsal/retreat is required for all members of the Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra. The extended rehearsals/retreats offer musicians opportunities to become acquainted or reacquainted with the other musicians, work with the Conductors on repertoire for the Fall Concert Series and strengthen teamwork skills.

For a copy of the Permission & Medical Release Form, click here.

Youth Strings
Sunday, October 14, 2007, 1:00-3:30 p.m. at North Medford High School

All members of Youth Strings are expected to participate in the YSSO’s Youth Strings Retreat. This is a required rehearsal for all members of Youth Strings. The retreat offers the musicians the opportunity to become acquainted or reacquainted, as well as to strengthen technical, musicianship and teamwork skills. Youth Strings conductor Faina Podolnaya will be assisted by guest music coaches.

For a copy of the Permission & Medical Release Form, click here.

The 2007-2008 Handbook is available in PDF format by clicking here.

The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon holds a Parent Orientation Meeting in the fall for parents to become acquainted with each other, meet the YSSO's conductors, staff and board members, and ask questions about the organization. Parents are also given an opportunity to volunteer for various duties and activities at this meeting. The continuing success of the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon is dependent upon the support and participation of parents and families.

The Membership Meeting in the spring offers an opportunity for the staff and board to highlight accomplishments, recognize and thank individuals, businesses and foundations for their financial support, share news and information about the upcoming season, and update the membership on fundraising efforts. In addition, members in good standing of the Friends of the YSSO elect the new YSSO Board Members.

Each year the YSSO extends an invitation to the grandparents of musicians to become members of the YSSO Grandparent Association. Contributions by members of the Association help support the musical growth and development of YSSO musicians, as well as concerts, rehearsals and the overall operation of the organization. Interested individuals or families should complete the Grandparent Association form and submit it to the YSSO office.

The YSSO uses photographs, reproductions, recordings, and other materials for publicity and promotional purposes. All YSSO musicians and families must complete the Media & Photo Release Form and submit it with other registration materials.