“Youth Orchestra has this alluring aura when you walk into a rehearsal that makes you want to become the best musician you can be.” —SDSYO harpist Grace Gering, from Freeman, SD
Philharmonia
introduces wind musicians to the full orchestral experience while refining orchestral technique with a full group ensemble. Members are generally in middle school and perform unabridged pieces from the standard repertoire as well as advanced-level arrangements. Philharmonia performs four formal concerts as well as performances in venues around Sioux Falls. Mr. Jeffrey Paul is the conductor of this group. Mr. Paul is also the Principal Oboist of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Dakota Wind Quintet.
Youth Orchestra
is the advanced, full orchestra of the SDSYO. This group performs masterpieces from the standard orchestral repertoire at a highly proficient level. Youth Orchestra performs four formal concerts a year. The Youth Orchestra performs with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra on their annual Young People’s Concerts—for audiences of thousands of students—and with the SDSO Music as Medicine program in hospital and nursing home settings, both as group performers and volunteer solo performers. Students in the Youth Orchestra have an opportunity to compete in the Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition for a chance to perform as a soloist in front of the Youth Orchestra on one of their concerts. Last year’s winners were Emera Gurath, violin, and Karl Henry, cello, both of Sioux Falls. Youth Orchestra also holds an annual retreat, where students rehearse for an upcoming performance as well as bond with each other. Dr. Christopher Stanichar conducts the Youth Orchestra. Dr. Stanichar is also the Director of Orchestral Activities at Augustana College and Music Director of the newly-formed Worthington Orchestra in Southwestern Minnesota. Dr. Stanichar wants students and families reading this to know that the “SDSYO serves
many students from outside the Sioux Falls area. For some students there is no orchestral program available in their immediate area. Therefore, we offer an orchestral experience that is simply not an option for those students. For those who do have an orchestra program at their school, the SDYSO supplements their work, and helps students to hone their skills for their school ensembles. It also allows our students to build camaraderie with students beyond the borders of their school walls. It is great fun to see the musical and personal friendships that are developed among our students.”
“SDSYO is so much fun and is definitely worth the drive! I have had such a great time being a member of SDSYO and I wish I would have joined sooner!” —Senior SDSYO bassoonist Sarah Vogts, Dakota Dunes, SD
Get Involved with the SDSYO! Auditions are held every fall and spring for Philharmonia and Youth Orchestra. Auditions for the 2012-13 Season are quickly approaching in mid-August, 2012. Students interested in Prelude Strings and Sinfonia need only to register. For additional audition and registration information, visit www.sdsymphony.org/youth-orchestra-auditions For information, please contact Abby Bogenrief, SDSO Youth Orchestra Administrator at abby.bogenrief@sdsymphony.org or call (605) 335-7933 ext. 14.
2012/13 SDSYO Season Concert Dates are: October, 21, 2012 • December 9, 2012 March 17, 2013 • May 5, 2013 Join other wonderful students for the upcoming season of the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestras!