Elementary Strings
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+. All public, private, and homeschool 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+. All public, private, and homeschool 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!
To meet the Elementary Strings teachers and learn more about each instrument, check out this video!
Lessons and Performances
Classes begin the week of October 11 and continue until the final concert (June 11). Strings instruction for Levels 1, 2, and 2+ will consist of two 45-minute orchestra classes each week, held at various elementary schools in Corvallis throughout the week.
Zoom-only sections consist of one 45-minute synchronous meeting a week, as well as one 1-on-1 meeting with each student/teacher every week. Zoom-only classes do not have an in-person class component, but Zoom-only students are invited to join for the in-person Elementary Strings concerts.
Final Elementary Strings Concert:
Dress rehearsal on Friday, June 10 from 5pm-7:45pm at Ashbrook
5:30 - Level 1 students unpack
5:45 - Level 1 dress rehearsal
6:15 - Level one dress rehearsal ends
6:30 - Level 2 students unpack
6:45 - Level 2 dress rehearsal
7:15 - Level 2 dress rehearsal ends
7:15 - Encore dress rehearsal
Concert on Saturday, June 11 at Ashbrook Independent School
2:40 - Level 1 Call Time
3:00 - 3:30 Level 1 Concert
3:45 Level 2 Call time
4:00 Level 2 and Encore concert
4:30 Cookie Reception
Classes begin the week of October 11 and continue until the final concert (June 11). Strings instruction for Levels 1, 2, and 2+ will consist of two 45-minute orchestra classes each week, held at various elementary schools in Corvallis throughout the week.
Zoom-only sections consist of one 45-minute synchronous meeting a week, as well as one 1-on-1 meeting with each student/teacher every week. Zoom-only classes do not have an in-person class component, but Zoom-only students are invited to join for the in-person Elementary Strings concerts.
Final Elementary Strings Concert:
Dress rehearsal on Friday, June 10 from 5pm-7:45pm at Ashbrook
5:30 - Level 1 students unpack
5:45 - Level 1 dress rehearsal
6:15 - Level one dress rehearsal ends
6:30 - Level 2 students unpack
6:45 - Level 2 dress rehearsal
7:15 - Level 2 dress rehearsal ends
7:15 - Encore dress rehearsal
Concert on Saturday, June 11 at Ashbrook Independent School
2:40 - Level 1 Call Time
3:00 - 3:30 Level 1 Concert
3:45 Level 2 Call time
4:00 Level 2 and Encore concert
4:30 Cookie Reception
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 Beacock 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 Beacock 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 after the January ES concert. You must provide notice to the CYSA Office no later than February 1, or you will also be charged February 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 after the January ES concert. You must provide notice to the CYSA Office no later than February 1, or you will also be charged February tuition.)
2021-2022 Elementary Strings Staff
- Bettine Zimmermann, ES Lead Teacher and CYSA Orchestra Manager
- Ella Jones, ES Teacher
- Jayanthi Joseph, ES Teacher
- Anne Ridlington, ES Teacher
- Jana Wells, ES Teacher
- Julie Davis, ES Assistant Teacher
- Viola Stark - ES Assistant Teacher
- Ella Morton - ES Assistant Teacher
- Benjamin Frueh - ES Assistant Teacher
- Adrian Hsieh - ES Assistant Teacher
- Annissa Bolder, CYSA Executive Director
- Ching-Yue Chi, CYSA Administrative Assistant
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 on Wednesday, April 6 (6:15-7:30pm) and continue on Wednesday evenings until the performance at the final ES Spring Concert (June 11). Encore! is conducted by Bettine Zimmermann.
Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, April 6 (6:15-7:30pm) and continue on Wednesday evenings until the performance at the final ES Spring Concert (June 11). Encore! is conducted by Bettine 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.