Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra Announcement

New Educational Program and Auditions

In an effort to broaden educational programming for student musicians, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (SMSO) is excited to announce the creation of a new ensemble for its Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra (LMYO) program. Titled “LMYO Winds,” this ensemble will provide talented young woodwind, brass and percussion musicians in grades 6-8 throughout southwest Michigan and northern Indiana with opportunities to expand and strengthen their musical skills and knowledge. The program will be led by Dr. John Owens, Music Program Director at Lake Michigan College. 

LMYO Winds is a skill-enhancing and enriching experience designed to supplement area school band programs by providing additional access to advanced wind repertoire and supplemental performance opportunities for students. Participation in this ensemble will require approximately 2-4 years of experience on an instrument.

LMYO Winds will rehearse once a week from 6-7:30 pm at Upton Middle School in St. Joseph, Michigan for a 10 week spring term, beginning February 19.  A Spring Concert will be held on May 6, 2018 at St. Joseph High School Auditorium, 2521 Stadium Drive, St. Joseph, MI. New members will be selected through a brief audition.

All programs of the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra, which include the Concert Strings, the Encore Strings, Youth Symphony and LMYO Winds are currently inviting new students to join through audition. Auditions will be held by appointment from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm Monday, January 29, and Monday, February 12, 2018 at Upton Middle School, 800 Maiden Lane in St. Joseph.  Students should call the SMSO Office at (269) 982-4030 to schedule an audition time. For more information on the program, please visit http://smso.org/Education/Lake%20Michigan%20Youth%20Orchesta.html.

WHO: Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra (LMYO)
WHAT: Auditions
WHEN: Monday, January 29, 2018 6:00 - 8:30 pm and Monday, February 12, 2018 6:00 -8:30 pm
WHERE: Upton Middle School, 800 Maiden Lane, St. Joseph, MI
HOW: Students should call the SMSO Office at (269) 982-4030 to schedule an audition time. 
REHEARSALS:
LMYO Winds, Concert Strings, Encore Strings: 6:00 - 7:30 pm, February 19 to April 30, 2018
Youth Symphony: 6:00 - 8:30 pm, February 19 to April 30, 2018
CONCERT: May 6, 2018, St. Joseph High School Auditorium, 2521 Stadium Drive, St. Joseph, MI

The Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra is one of several educational programs of the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. For over 30 years, the Youth Orchestra has provided an orchestral experience for talented young musicians in southwest Michigan from kindergarten age to college senior.

Under the direction of conductors Burke Lokey, Joe Oprea, Beth Oeseburg, and John Owens, the Youth Symphony, Encore Strings, Concert Strings and LMYO Winds rehearse on Monday evenings during the fall and spring of each school year.

The orchestra performs four public concerts each year - A “Run Out” Concert, a Winter Concert, a Spring Concert and the ‘Side by Side’ Concert with the Southwest Michigan Symphony. The LMYO program includes scholarships to summer music camps, sectional rehearsals with members of the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and free tickets to SMSO concerts. Membership is by audition for all groups.

For more information, contact the Symphony office at 269-982-4030 or visit http://smso.org/Education/Lake%20Michigan%20Youth%20Orchesta.html.