Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Roanoke Youth Symphony is made up of 90 student musicians, ages 12-18, who rehearse weekly and perform throughout the year in public concerts.

Led by RSO Associate Concertmaster, James Glazebrook, the RYS is the only professional orchestral training for young people in western Virginia. The young musicians gain membership through auditions and may perform with the youth symphony through the Spring/Summer of their high school graduation year.

For more information about the Roanoke Youth Symphony, please contact Education Director Liz Lochbrunner by e-mail at Liz.Lochbrunner@rso.com or by telephone at (540) 343-6221 x.231

Junior Strings

The Junior Strings is comprised of more than 35 beginning-to-intermediate string players who perform two concerts annually with the Youth Symphony and perform at the spring "Discovery Concerts" for area school children. Many players, after achieving an appropriate level of skill, will continue in the Roanoke Youth Symphony. Junior Strings director, Joanne Steele also serves as Director of Bands and Orchestras at James Madison Middle School in Roanoke.

For more information about the Junior Strings, please contact Education Director Liz Lochbrunner by e-mail at Liz.Lochbrunner@rso.com or by telephone at (540) 343-6221 x.231.

Roanoke Youth Symphony Flute Ensemble

This new ensemble made its debut in June 2008 during the annual Roanoke Youth Symphony Summer Music Institute. Under the direction of Julee Hickcox, this ensemble performs at exciting venues throughout the Roanoke Valley, including the Taubman Art Museum. Julee Hickcox is the principal piccolo player for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and maintains a well-established flute studio in the Roanoke Valley.

Music Institute

The Summer Music Institute offers daily group instruction, masterclasses, chamber music, coaching and orchestra rehearsals for both a full orchestra and a string orchestra. The development of each participant's talent and musicianship is emphasized in this intensive and challenging musical atmosphere. Students will be able to perform solo or in small ensembles in public recitals during the week. The Institute closes with a public performance by the Roanoke Youth Symphony and the String Orchestra. Throughout the week, students are well-supervised in their study, practice and recreational activities. While members of the Roanoke Youth Symphony are expected to attend as a part of their annual program, a limited number of spaces are available for other students to participate in the full orchestra. The Institute welcomes applications of non-members on a space-available basis. The String Orchestra is a program providing a total musical experience for any string instrument student not playing in the Roanoke Youth Symphony. Completion of fourth grade and one or more years of string instrument study are required of students participating in the String Orchestra.


LOCATION AND FACILITIES
The Institute is held at Ferrum College, located approximately 35 miles south of Roanoke, Virginia. Students are housed in comfortable college dormitories and eat in modern dining facilities. Classrooms, practice rooms, recital and concert halls are available for the Institute's use. Recreational activities include swimming, tennis, volleyball, and softball.


FACULTY AND STAFF
Members of the Institute faculty are all professional musicians and teachers. In addition to providing instruction and coaching rehearsals, most will perform for the students in special recitals during the week. There will be a specialist present for each instrument represented in the orchestra. Where time permits, students may arrange private instruction with individual faculty members. Fees for these lessons are separate from the workshop tuition and must be arranged with and paid directly to the instructor. Qualified chaperones and a certified lifeguard are carefully selected and trained for the Institute. Ferrum College's security force is on duty during the Institute as well.


For more information email Liz.Lochbrunner@rso.com, Education Director, or phone the Symphony office - (540) 343-6221 x.231