Corvallis Youth Symphony
History
The Corvallis Youth Symphony (CYS) was founded in 1982 by Charles Creighton to provide talented students with musical experiences to enhance and extend music education in the schools. Beginning that year with forty-four students from two local high schools, CYS has since grown to over seventy students from schools throughout the mid-Willamette Valley and the central coast.
The Corvallis Youth Symphony (CYS) was founded in 1982 by Charles Creighton to provide talented students with musical experiences to enhance and extend music education in the schools. Beginning that year with forty-four students from two local high schools, CYS has since grown to over seventy students from schools throughout the mid-Willamette Valley and the central coast.
Training
CYS students receive exceptional orchestral training. CYS conductor, Jason Duckles, selects classical repertoire that will challenge and inspire students. Several times a year, sectional rehearsals are held (i.e., each section of the orchestra rehearses by itself) and for these rehearsals, professional musicians from Oregon orchestras and faculty from area music schools are brought in to coach the students.
2020-2021 Update
Due to the challenges presented by Covid-19, the 2020-2021 season will look quite a bit different from past seasons. During the Fall (September-December), CYS will operate as an online program, including exciting online synchronous rehearsing, sectionals, score study, and masterclasses plus interviews, classes, and workshops with world-renowned teachers and conductors! In December, we will share a presentation of projects and performances online in lieu of our live concert.
We hope to return to small or full orchestral ensembles in 2021, but will make all decisions based on Oregon Health Authority and CDC guidelines. Either way, we plan to deliver quality musical content to the students of the mid-Willamette Valley, as CYSA has done for the past 38 years!
CYS students receive exceptional orchestral training. CYS conductor, Jason Duckles, selects classical repertoire that will challenge and inspire students. Several times a year, sectional rehearsals are held (i.e., each section of the orchestra rehearses by itself) and for these rehearsals, professional musicians from Oregon orchestras and faculty from area music schools are brought in to coach the students.
2020-2021 Update
Due to the challenges presented by Covid-19, the 2020-2021 season will look quite a bit different from past seasons. During the Fall (September-December), CYS will operate as an online program, including exciting online synchronous rehearsing, sectionals, score study, and masterclasses plus interviews, classes, and workshops with world-renowned teachers and conductors! In December, we will share a presentation of projects and performances online in lieu of our live concert.
We hope to return to small or full orchestral ensembles in 2021, but will make all decisions based on Oregon Health Authority and CDC guidelines. Either way, we plan to deliver quality musical content to the students of the mid-Willamette Valley, as CYSA has done for the past 38 years!
Performances
The CYS season typically includes two formal concerts at the LaSells Stewart Center and a Classical Cabaret at Ashbrook School Theater.
Given the ever-changing nature of the public health crisis posed by Covid-19, we are making concert plans based on current local and state health authorities.
CYS will have performances or online presentations on these dates:
The CYS season typically includes two formal concerts at the LaSells Stewart Center and a Classical Cabaret at Ashbrook School Theater.
Given the ever-changing nature of the public health crisis posed by Covid-19, we are making concert plans based on current local and state health authorities.
CYS will have performances or online presentations on these dates:
- Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 4pm - online presentation
- Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 4pm - LaSells Stewart Center (or online)
- Classical Cabaret: Date TBA (typically in March)
Membership
Membership in CYS is by audition only. Students must be in grades 9-12, and are required to participate in their school/district band or orchestra program.
CYS Audition Sign-Up for 2020-2021 can be found HERE.
Membership in CYS is by audition only. Students must be in grades 9-12, and are required to participate in their school/district band or orchestra program.
CYS Audition Sign-Up for 2020-2021 can be found HERE.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 at Crescent Valley High School or online. Rehearsals begin on Monday, September 14, 2020 and continue through the end of April 2021.
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 at Crescent Valley High School or online. Rehearsals begin on Monday, September 14, 2020 and continue through the end of April 2021.
Fees
Tuition for the 2020-2021 year is $540. Mail a check (instructions below) or use the online tuition pay tool shown below.
To send a check:
Make the check out to CYSA, include your student's name and "CYS" in the Memo. Mail to:
Corvallis Youth Symphony Association
P.O. Box 857
Corvallis, OR 97339
Financial aid is available for families with demonstrated need (application required).
Tuition for the 2020-2021 year is $540. Mail a check (instructions below) or use the online tuition pay tool shown below.
To send a check:
Make the check out to CYSA, include your student's name and "CYS" in the Memo. Mail to:
Corvallis Youth Symphony Association
P.O. Box 857
Corvallis, OR 97339
Financial aid is available for families with demonstrated need (application required).
If you have any other questions, contact the CYSA Orchestra Manager, Megan Anderson (anderson.megan.e.z@gmail.com).