Elementary Strings
Current information for ES 2021-2022:
- CYSA is waiting on a final contract from the Corvallis School District in order to run Elementary Strings classes. We cannot proceed with scheduling or registration until that is finalized.
- As far as we know right now: ES classes will be in person at the schools, with class sizes limited to 12-15 students (depending on the room/space).
- There will be one Level 1 and one Level 2 Zoom-only class offered as an alternative to in-person. It will only be offered if it has at least 8 students in a class.
- The planned start date of classes will be October 11.
- An ES Kick-Off informational session will occur Wednesday, October 6 at 7pm on Zoom.
- We will update further as soon as we have more information! Thank you for your patience while we wait for more information from the schools.
COVID-19 Policies for ES 2021-2022 can be seen HERE.
ES Program Overview
The Corvallis Youth Symphony Association provides direction and support for Elementary Strings (ES), Levels 1, 2, and 2 Advanced. All public, private, and homeschooled students in 3rd-5th grades are invited to enroll in Elementary Strings classes. Students can choose from learning Violin, Viola, or Cello in a group orchestra setting.
Music educators agree on the importance of cultivating young string musicians at an early age. Playing an instrument increases reasoning skills and builds teamwork, discipline, cooperation, and a sense of belonging. Learning to make music encourages creativity. More importantly, it’s just plain fun!
The Corvallis Youth Symphony Association provides direction and support for Elementary Strings (ES), Levels 1, 2, and 2 Advanced. All public, private, and homeschooled students in 3rd-5th grades are invited to enroll in Elementary Strings classes. Students can choose from learning Violin, Viola, or Cello in a group orchestra setting.
Music educators agree on the importance of cultivating young string musicians at an early age. Playing an instrument increases reasoning skills and builds teamwork, discipline, cooperation, and a sense of belonging. Learning to make music encourages creativity. More importantly, it’s just plain fun!
Lessons and Performances
Classes begin the week of October 11 and run through May. Strings instruction for Levels 1, 2, and 2 Advanced will consist of two 45-minute orchestra classes each week, held at various elementary schools in Corvallis throughout the week.
There are two Elementary Strings Concerts per season:
Classes begin the week of October 11 and run through May. Strings instruction for Levels 1, 2, and 2 Advanced will consist of two 45-minute orchestra classes each week, held at various elementary schools in Corvallis throughout the week.
There are two Elementary Strings Concerts per season:
- Saturday, January 29, 2022: Location TBD
- Saturday, June 4, 2022: Location TBD
To meet the Elementary Strings teachers and learn more about each instrument, check out this video!
Note: This video references online programming from 2020-2021; the 2021-2022 season will be held in person and more information will be available soon.
Note: This video references online programming from 2020-2021; the 2021-2022 season will be held in person and more information will be available soon.
Elementary Strings Tuition
Tuition payments may be made in full ($420), or as eight monthly payments of $60.
The monthly payment plan costs more to cover the extra labor involved in collecting tuition. If possible, please pay in full.
Instruments can be rented from Windsmith Music. The cost of instrument rental is not included in ES program fees.
We want all students to participate in Elementary Strings regardless of financial considerations. Questions about need-based financial aid should be emailed to cysassoc@peak.org or you may call (541) 766-4903 for more information.
To ensure that all students can participate in this enrichment activity, we welcome tax-deductible donations. The Corvallis Youth Symphony Association is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tuition payments may be made in full ($420), or as eight monthly payments of $60.
The monthly payment plan costs more to cover the extra labor involved in collecting tuition. If possible, please pay in full.
Instruments can be rented from Windsmith Music. The cost of instrument rental is not included in ES program fees.
We want all students to participate in Elementary Strings regardless of financial considerations. Questions about need-based financial aid should be emailed to cysassoc@peak.org or you may call (541) 766-4903 for more information.
To ensure that all students can participate in this enrichment activity, we welcome tax-deductible donations. The Corvallis Youth Symphony Association is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Refund Policy
After you have paid 4 months’ tuition (through January) you may drop out of ES by giving notice to the CYSA Office (cysassoc@peak.org) by the 1st of the month in which you plan to quit. If you provide notice later than the 1st, you will be charged tuition for that month. No tuition refunds will be given for October-January.
(Example: You plan to quit at the end of February. You must provide notice to the CYSA Office no later than March 1, or you will also be charged for March tuition.)
After you have paid 4 months’ tuition (through January) you may drop out of ES by giving notice to the CYSA Office (cysassoc@peak.org) by the 1st of the month in which you plan to quit. If you provide notice later than the 1st, you will be charged tuition for that month. No tuition refunds will be given for October-January.
(Example: You plan to quit at the end of February. You must provide notice to the CYSA Office no later than March 1, or you will also be charged for March tuition.)
2021-2022 Elementary Strings Staff
- Annissa Bolder, CYSA Executive Director
- Bettine Rehr-Zimmermann, ES Lead Teacher and CYSA Orchestra Manager
- Anne Ridlington, ES Teacher
- Ella Jones, ES Teacher
- Jana Wells, ES Teacher
- Jayanthi Joseph, ES Teacher
- Julie Davis, ES Assistant Teacher
Encore!
Encore! 2019 performance at Crescent Valley High School
Encore! is the honors Elementary Strings orchestra for Level 2/2+ students who seek more of a challenge. Students who attend Corvallis public schools must also be members of an ES class to participate in Encore!. Homeschooled and private school students are welcomed to join Encore! if they are recommended by their music teacher. Rehearsals begin after Spring Break, and culminate in a performance at the final ES Spring Concert. Encore! is conducted by Bettine Rehr-Zimmermann.
Contact us
For more information, please email us at cysassoc@peak.org or call us at 541-766-4903.
For more information, please email us at cysassoc@peak.org or call us at 541-766-4903.