Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
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Junior String Ensemble
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The Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, sponsored by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and conducted by OSFL concertmaster, Augusto Diemecke, is an ensemble of some of the finest young musicians in our region. The Youth Orchestra provides advanced challenges and opportunities for young people who are enthusiastic about music.
The OSFL also sponsors the Junior String Ensemble encouraging the development of young string players. It provides a training opportunity for young musicians to eventually join the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. Long-time JSE Conductor, Gary Chollet will be on sabbatical during the 2020-21 season. OSFL Assistant Concertmaster, Debrah Devine will step in as JSE Conductor this year. |
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Youth Orchestra and Junior String Ensemble Members:
Both ensembles will rehearse weekly throughout the school year to prepare for three public concerts, including a side-by-side performance with the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes in the March concert. Concerts and rehearsals take place at various locations in the Elmira-Corning area. Click here to see a copy of the YOSFL Handbook Click here to see a copy of the JSE Handbook Click here to see the concert schedule for the Youth Orchestra and Junior String Ensemble. Updates for 2021-22 coming soon. |
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String, woodwind, brass, and percussion players are welcome in the Youth Orchestra. Members are of advanced high school and extremely advanced middle school ability. Students are drawn from communities throughout the region.
The Youth Orchestra offers an opportunity for our talented local youth to grow as musicians and make friends that share similar interests. Being involved in this program is a great learning experience that many students say helped them to have a true appreciation for working with a group as well as music in general. Youth Orchestra members are eligible to audition for the annual Concerto Competition. The winner will perform one movement of a concerto with the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes during the current season. |
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For the Junior String Ensemble, string players are welcome to audition. Members will be of advanced elementary, middle and high school ability. Students will be drawn from communities throughout the region.
Along with the Youth Orchestra, the new Junior String Ensemble will present another way in which the region's youth can get involved in their community while strengthening their musical abilities and improving the quality of their lives. The Junior String Ensemble will be a way in which the younger members of our community can get involved, and this ensemble will also be another avenue through which those players who aren't old enough or whose abilities aren't mature enough can gain experience on their instruments and eventually progress to the Youth Orchestra. |
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Youth Orchestra and
Junior String Ensemble Final Concert Video June 2020 Due to the continued closures, we are not able to hold the final concert for the Youth Orchestra and Junior String Ensemble that had been rescheduled for June 14. In its place, we have put together a final video to showcase the students' work over the season and honor the Youth Orchestra seniors. Please join us on Facebook to view the final concert video and congratulate the students for their hard work and perseverance during this unusual time.
View Video on Facebook. |
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Midori's Residency
Virtuoso violinist Midori worked with the Youth Orchestra and Junior String Ensemble through the Orchestra Residencies Program. This was a real privilege for the students to meet Midori and learn from her amazing artistry in an interactive virtual setting. Starting October 10th, Midori held five workshops including a master class for YO and JSE students and parents. These were chocked full of information, inspiration, and conversation. In her role as a UN Messenger of Peace, Midori talked about her work in music education and humanitarian efforts around the world. As part of the special COVID-19 Support Program this year, this residency program was established to help keep young musicians engaged, motivated and excited during these unusual times. Midori Returns May 16, 2021 for a special virtual performance with the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes conducted by Augusto Diemecke with a world premiere of Spring Cadenzas by Derek Bermel This special one-time performance streamed live on the OSFL YouTube page. The concert included a panel discussion with Augusto Diemecke, Toshiyuki Shimada, Midori, Derek Bermel, and Trevor New (lead techincal engineer). Download the concert program. |
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Alexander Technique Workshop by Katie Fittipaldi Students learned to play their instruments with ease, release the tension, and improve their focus. As a special bonus, we learned how to overcome Zoom fatigue! Read more. |
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Sponsors of the Youth Ensembles
Thank you to the following foundations and businesses that have provided support for the 2020-21 season.
Anderson Foundation, Inc.
Association of Chamber Music Players
Corning Area Chamber of Commerce
Corning's Gaffer District
Grace Fellowship Church
Hilliard Corporation
Horseheads First Presbyterian Church
Orchestra Residencies Program
Roses' Youth Philanthropists
Thank you to the parents and teachers of these budding young musicians and to all the individuals who have donated and supported the youth programs.
Thank you to the following foundations and businesses that have provided support for the 2020-21 season.
Anderson Foundation, Inc.
Association of Chamber Music Players
Corning Area Chamber of Commerce
Corning's Gaffer District
Grace Fellowship Church
Hilliard Corporation
Horseheads First Presbyterian Church
Orchestra Residencies Program
Roses' Youth Philanthropists
Thank you to the parents and teachers of these budding young musicians and to all the individuals who have donated and supported the youth programs.
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Side-by-Side Concert: Youth Orchestra and OSFL, March 8, 2020 [Photo credit: Noel Sylvester]
