F e d e r i c o c o rt e s e

M u s i c d i r e c t o r

Auditions

www.bysoweb.orgMAy 2014

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About Us

Cover photos by Michael J. Lutch and Jeff Pouland

All other photos by Michael J. Lutch

Widely regarded as one of the country’s finest youth orchestra programs, the boston youth symphony orchestras (byso) is recognized as a model organization in music and arts education. byso serves nearly 500 students from more than 120 communities throughout New England. since 1958, byso has been in residence at boston University.

The mission of byso is to encourage musical excellence in a professional and supportive environment by providing the highest quality orchestra training and performance opportunities to qualified musicians, grades K–12, and making its programs accessible to underserved communities through financial assistance and outreach.

Under the leadership of Music Director Federico Cortese, byso has become one of boston’s most prestigious arts organizations with a programmatic scope that includes three full symphonic orchestras, six chamber orchestras, two string train­ing orchestras, a prepara tory wind ensemble, a chamber music pro­gram, and the Intensive Community Program, a nationally recognized string training program for under­represented communities. byso has built a strong international presence with tour performances in world­renowned venues. since 2008, Mr. Federico Cortese has incor porated a robust opera program and every year byso’s premier orchestra presents a full semi­staged opera.

In 2012 byso and boston symphony orchestra (bso) announced a new partnership BYSO/BSO: Partnering for the Future. For more information visit bysoweb.org.

byso/bso Partnering for the FutureIn 2012, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and BYSO formed an important new partnership for classical music in Boston–BYSO/BSO: Partnering for the Future. This col laboration is designed to develop training programs and to offer joint performance op-portunities for young musicians, audiences, and the wider community, while exploring innovative ways to continue to foster the future of classical music.

This partnership is the recognition of years of institutional growth and extraordinary musical accom plishment. It is very special to be invited by one of the greatest symphony orches tras on the international scene to join forces in the common effort to serve classical music in the greater Boston area.” –BYSO Music Director, Federico Cortese.

bys backstage after performing Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, bso Family Concert in November 2013 at symphony Hall. In this picture: boston youth symphony members with Federico Cortese, Conductor; and bill barclay, Narrator.

A Cheerful Earful, bso Family Concert in April 2013 at symphony Hall. In this picture: Marta Żurad conducting young People’s string orchestra and members of the Intensive Community Program.

As a continuation of our partnership with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, BYSO is honored to have been asked to perform during the symphony Hall open House on Sunday, April 12, 2015. On this special occasion, Symphony Hall will open its doors for a free day of musical activities, giving members of the Boston community a chance to hear the BSO’s new Music Director, Mr. Andris Nelsons. We are delighted to be a part of this special day.

bso Family Concerts 2014–2015 seasonat symphony Hall November 8, 2014 • 12noon PrOkOFIev Peter and the Wolf Boston Youth Symphony

February 7, 2015 • 10:15am and 12noonBoston Symphony OrchestraThomas Wilkins, Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor

April 25, 2015 • 12noon Young People’s String Orchestra and members of the Intensive Community ProgramMarta Żurad, conductor

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bosToN yoUTH syMPHoNyFederico Cortese, Conductor and Music Director CoPLAND El salón México

DVoŘÁK symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95, “From the New World”

VERDI Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball) semi­staged opera performance

MAHLER symphony No. 9 in D Major

2014–2015 season Highlights

Orchestras and Programsorchestras in brief• Boston Youth Symphony (BYS) BYSO’s premier full symphonic orchestra with highly advanced students performing symphonic repertoire and operas.

• Repertory Orchestra (REP) Full symphonic orchestra composed of players with strong technical and musical ability.

• Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO) Full symphonic orchestra of students developing orchestral performance skills.

• Young People’s String Orchestra (YPSO) Children’s orchestra of promising string players.

• Preparatory Winds (PW) Young ensemble of wind and brass players developing skills for entrée into a full orchestra.

• Petit Ensemble (PE) BYSO’s newest ensemble with our youngest string players.

PRoGRAMs FoR byso MEMbERs

• Summer Camp (All BYS, REP, JRO musicians)Summer Camp is held in August at New England Music Camp (NEMC) in Sidney, Maine. This experi ence for BYS, REP, and JRO students begins the season with intensive orchestral and chamber orchestra rehearsals. In Maine, new and returning students get to know other orchestra members and staff as they begin working on the orchestral repertoire for the season. In order to prepare for a successful season, attendance at camp is manda tory.

• Chamber Music (Optional and open to all BYSO members) Chamber music groups meet either before or after orchestra rehearsals and perform at Boston University as well as at special events. All groups are coached by some of Boston’s most accomplished performers and teachers. These ensembles provide an intimate setting for BYSO members and their coaches to share the joys of chamber music.

• Composition Class (Optional and open to all BYSO members) The class provides an understanding of the tonal and contemporary techniques in composition. The students’ acquired knowledge will be applied to the composition of original pieces.

• Percussion EnsembleAaron Trant, Percussion Ensemble CoachThis ensemble enhances the musical experi ence of our percussionists by introducing them to a greater variety of instruments and music than are explored in traditional orchestral repertoire.

• Low Brass Ensemble Steve Banzaert, Low Brass Ensemble Coach All trombone and tuba players from BYS, REP, and JRO participate during Sunday rehearsals, exploring a variety of music written expressly for the lower brass instruments.

school Grade Distribution of students by orchestra (2013–2014)

GRADE BYS REP JRO YPSO PW PE First Second 1 3 Third 2 9 Fourth 4 10 Fifth 1 4 18 1 10 Sixth 1 5 21 6 1 Seventh 2 14 15 13 Eighth 2 9 29 5 9 Ninth 8 18 34 4 Tenth 24 33 14 Eleventh 37 32 2 Twelfth 42 14 2

bys performing Puccini’s Tosca, semi-staged opera performance on January 19, 2014 at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. In this picture Elizabeth baldwin as Tosca, Kristopher Irmiter as Scarpia and Federico Cortese, Conductor.

Repertoire is subject to change

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bosToN yoUTH syMPHoNy (bys)

Boston Youth Symphony (BYS), BYSO’s most advanced symphonic orchestra, is comprised of outstanding players who demonstrate strong musicianship and highly advanced technique. The group performs a wide range of demand­ing orchestral repertoire, led by Music Director Federico Cortese. BYS begins its season pre­paring new repertoire at BYSO Summer Camp. During the season, all members of BYS also participate in one of two chamber orchestras, in which they explore music of the Classical period. This experience allows BYS members an opportunity to develop greater familiar ity with this repertoire and its technical and stylistic demands. BYS performs at world class venues including Symphony Hall, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University and Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory. Since 2008, Music Director Federico Cortese has incor porated a robust opera program and every year BYS presents a full semi­staged opera. Annually, BYS also performs “Peter and the Wolf” as part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert Series (BYSO/BSO: Partnering for the Future).

REPERToRy oRCHEsTRA (REP)

Under the direction of Mark Miller, Repertory Orchestra (REP) is an advanced, full symphonic orchestra with players of strong technical and musical ability. REP has performed at sev­eral prestigious venues in Boston, including Symphony Hall, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory, and Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center. All REP members begin the season at BYSO Summer Camp. During the season, all members also participate in one of two chamber orchestras, in which they explore music of the Classical period. This experience allows REP members an opportunity to develop greater familiarity with this repertoire and its technical and stylistic demands.

JUNIOR REPERTORY ORCHESTRA (JRO)

Conducted by John Holland, Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO) is a full symphonic orches­tra. Members receive group and individual coaching that enables them to build solid fundamental technical and musical skills. JRO has performed at several venues throughout the Boston area, including Symphony Hall, Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center and Kresge Auditorium at MIT. All JRO mem­bers begin the season at BYSO Summer Camp. During the season, JRO members participate in a weekly musicianship class, where they explore repertoire and improve musical skills through singing, rhythm and harmony exer­cises, and critical listening. The opportunity to study music away from the particular technical demands of their instruments is an important element of fostering students’ musical growth.

yoUNG PEoPLE’s sTRING oRCHEsTRA (yPso)

The Young People’s String Orchestra (YPSO), conducted by Marta Żurad, is known as one of the finest children’s orchestras in New England. This young orchestra performs major repertoire from the standard string orchestra literature, while learning the skills needed for excellent orchestral playing. It is an energetic and collaborative ensemble that emphasizes teamwork and leadership development. Ms. Żurad and YPSO musicians challenge each other every rehearsal; they learn the rewards of hard work and a mutual dedication to excel­lence. YPSO has performed at Symphony Hall, Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center, Kresge Auditorium at MIT, and has been featured as part of the WGBH Classical Cartoon Festival. Annually, YPSO performs as part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert Series (BYSO/BSO: Partnering for the Future).(Please note the new rehearsal time on page 6)

PETIT ENsEMbLE (PE)

Conducted by Marta Żurad, Petit Ensemble (PE) is a small orchestra (up to 40 members) intended for string players, of ages ap­proximately 7 to 10, who have successfully finished at least Suzuki Book One (violin, viola, cello, and bass). During rehearsals, students work on ensemble playing skills, and musical interpretation as well as, rhythm develop­ment, music theory, and practice skills. The rich repertoire introduces students to a variety of musical styles. The group has two to three public performances per year. (Please note the new rehearsal time on page 6)

PREPARAToRy WINDs (PW)

Conducted by Janet Underhill, Preparatory Winds (PW) is an ensemble of winds, brass and percussion where students work on orchestral style music in preparation for BYSO’s full symphonic orchestras. PW focuses on blend and articulation while introducing students to standard orchestral doublings and skills required of successful orchestral musicians. PW members are exposed to standard transpositions and clef usage typical to their instrument in orchestral literature. PW has performed in a variety of venues including Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center, Roxbury Community College and Sanders Theatre at Harvard University.

INTENsIVE CoMMUNITy PRoGRAM (ICP)

ICP is a rigorous string instrument training program that brings quality classical music instruction to underrepresented communi­ties. ICP is directed by Nicole Cariglia and conducted by Marta Żurad. The ICP recruiting process is separate from BYSO Auditions. For information email icp@bu.edu.

byso students at byso’s summer Camp, August 2013, New England Music Camp in sidney, Maine

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FEDERICo CoRTEsEMusic Director and Conductor, Boston Youth Symphony

Federico Cortese assumed the post of BYSO’s Music Director in 1999. He has conducted throughout the United States, Australia, China, and Europe. He is also the Music Director of the Harvard­Radcliffe Orchestra at Harvard University. From 1998–2002, he served as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) under Seiji Ozawa. In addition to his annual scheduled concerts, Mr. Cortese led the BSO several times in Symphony Hall and at Tanglewood, most notably performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Mr. Cortese has conducted prominent symphony orchestras, including At­lanta, Dallas, Houston, BBC Scottish Symphony, Sydney Symphony, and Oslo Philharmonic. Opera engagements have included Maggio Mu­sicale in Florence, Spoleto Festival in Italy and the United States, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Finnish National Opera, Opera Australia, and Washington National Opera. Mr. Cortese has been Music Coordinator and Associate Conductor of the Spoleto Festival in Italy. He also served as Assistant Conduc­tor to Robert Spano, and to Daniele Gatti. Mr. Cortese studied composition and conducting at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome and subsequently studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna. He also studied Literature and Humanities and holds a Law Degree from La Sapienza University in Rome.

NATHAN AsPINALLAssistant Conductor, Boston Youth Symphony

Nathan Aspinall joined BYSO in 2013. Former Assistant Conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, he studied French Horn and Conducting at the University of Queensland and was awarded the Hugh Brandon Prize. In 2012 and 2013 Nathan studied at Aspen Music Festival with Robert Spano and Hugh Wolff and won the Robert J. Harth Conducting Prize. Nathan has engagements with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony, Queensland Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra and Bach Society Queensland. He is study­ing Orchestral Conducting at New England Conservatory.

MARK MILLERConductor, Repertory Orchestra

Mark Miller has been with BYSO since 1985, first as Orchestra Manager, then as Assistant Conductor of Boston Youth Symphony, and began in the 2011–2012 season as Conductor of the Repertory Orchestra. In addition to his work at BYSO, he conducts the Boston University All­Campus Orchestra and the Community Music Center of Boston Chamber Orchestra. He is Principal Clarinetist of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and the Plymouth Philharmonic, and is a member of the wind quintet, Arcadian Winds. Mr. Miller holds degrees in Composition and Clarinet Performance from Florida State University, and a Master of Music in Composition from Boston University.

JOHN HOLLANDConductor, Junior Repertory Orchestra

John Holland, Violinist from Atlanta, Georgia, performs extensively as a soloist and with numerous orchestral and chamber ensembles. Since 2002, Mr. Holland has been performing regularly with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and the Boston Pops. Mr. Holland has also performed as a guest artist with the Chamber Music Foundation of New England, the Radius Ensemble, the Callithumpian Consort, the South Coast Chamber Music Society, and with members of the BSO. An active teacher in the Boston area, Mr. Holland has a private studio and coaches chamber music and orchestral ensembles for BYSO.

MARTA ŻURADConductor, Young People’s String Orchestra, Intensive Community Program Orchestra, and Petit Ensemble

Marta Żurad has been with BYSO since 2009. Ms. Żurad has a Bachelor of Music from New England Conservatory (NEC), a Graduate Diploma

and Master of Music from Longy School of Music and attended the Academy of Music in Krakow, Poland. Her violin teachers have included Wieslaw Kwasny, Valeria Kuchment, and Eric Rosenblith. She is an active chamber musician, both as a violinist and a violist, and is a past participant of Yellow Barn Music Festival and Apple Hill Chamber Music Festival. She is a member of the Lexington Symphony, and has performed with many orchestras in the Boston area. Ms. Żurad conducts the Preparatory String Orchestra at NEC, was Founder and Conductor of the Longy Concertino and Sinfonietta, and is on the string faculty at NEC, Rivers Conservatory, and Winchester Community Music School. She serves as adjudicator for various local concerto competitions.

JANET UNDERHILLConductor, Preparatory Winds and Assistant Conductor, Junior Repertory Orchestra

Janet Underhill is a Bassoonist, Teacher, and Arts Administrator in the Boston area. During her years with BYSO, Ms. Underhill was recipi­ent of the 2001 Kay Logan Award ­ national award for excellence in chamber music teach­ing. She serves as a Bassoon Instructor at Boston College, Northeastern University, South Shore Conservatory, and Community Music Center of Boston where she is Director of the Senior Wind Ensemble. Janet is a founding member of Arcadian Winds, a woodwind quintet specializing in contemporary music. As a soloist Janet has performed throughout North America, Holland, Greece and Russia. Ms. Underhill appeared in over 30 CDs and numerous radio broadcasts. She has developed a cataloging system for ethnic recordings with composer Martin Bartlett, and organized Gunther Schuller’s personal collection.

Artistic Staff

REP performing at symphony Hall in october 2013, Mark Miller, Conductor.

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Audition StandardsAuditions are open to students in grades K–12. Candidates audition for BYSO – not a specific ensemble – and selected candidates will be placed in an appropriate orchestra based on level. All returning BYSO members must re­audition each year. Please note that, due to the competitive nature of auditions, placement is not guaranteed. For more information and to apply for auditions, visit www.bysoweb.org *Please note that some auditions will be recorded for internal purposes only. Recordings will be deleted at the end of the audition process.

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JRO Level: 3­octave major and minor scales C, D, E, F & G, by memory; technical facility through five positions; well­developed tone quality, bow strokes, and vibrato

yPso Level: 3­octave major scales (C, D & E­flat), by memory; technical facility through four positions; comfortable use of vibrato and funda­mental bow strokes with varied articulations

PE Level: Suggested age Grade 2 to Grade 4; two contrasting pieces (minimum level Suzuki Book 2); 2­ octave major scales C, D, & E­flat; NO orchestral excerpts

Cello Candidatesbys/REP Level: All 3­octave major and minor scales (form of candidate’s choice), by memory; technical facility in all positions; proficiency in tenor and treble clefs; previous ensemble experience

JRO Level: 3­octave major and minor scales through four sharps or flats (form of candidate’s choice), by memory; technical facility through five positions; technical facility in tenor clef; well­developed tone quality, bow strokes, and vibrato

yPso Level: 3­ octave major scales C, D, & E­flat , 2­octave major scales F, G & A, by mem­ory; technical facility through four positions; Comfortable use of vibrato and fundamental bow strokes with varied articulations

PE Level: Suggested age Grade 2 to Grade 4; two contrasting pieces (minimum level Suzuki Book 2); 2­octave major scales C, D, & E­flat; NO orchestral excerpts

bass Candidatesbys/REP Level: All major and minor scales (form of candidate’s choice), at least 2­octaves, by memory; technical facility in all positions; previous ensemble experience

JRO Level: 2­octave major scales plus 1­octave E minor, by memory; well­developed tone quality and bow strokes

yPso Level: 1­octave major scales G, D, C, F, by memory; comfortable use of fundamental bow strokes with varied articulations

PE Level: Suggested age Grade 2 to Grade 4; two contrasting pieces (minimum level Suzuki Book 2); 1­octave major scales G, D, & C; NO orchestral excerpts

All Wind & brass Candidatesbys/REP Level: All major and minor scales (melodic and harmonic), through candidate’s range by memory; chromatic scale, by memory

Horn & Trumpet: familiarity with standard transpositionsTrombone: familiarity with alto and tenor clefbassoon: proficiency in tenor clef

JRO Level: Major and harmonic minor scales through four sharps or flats, by memory through candidate’s range; chromatic scale, by memory

Horn & Trumpet: familiarity with standard transpositions bassoon & Trombone: familiarity with tenor clef

PW Level: Major scales up to four flats and sharps, through the candidate’s range by memory; chromatic scale, by memory

Percussion CandidatesAll candidates must audition on timpani, snare drum and a mallet instrument

Excerpt mandatory for BYS candidates and optional for all others

Sight reading on mallets and snare

Timpani tuning

Harp CandidatesSee all Candidates

Piano CandidatesAll major and minor scales, 4­octaves

For all Candidates•Prepare two solo works or two movements

from the same work that represent contrasting styles.

•Scales by memory (for requirements by instrument and orchestra, see below)

•Flute, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Strings (except PE) applicants are required to learn selected orchestral excerpts. Excerpts are available on the BYSO website.

•Possible sight reading•Your prepared music should be chosen, in

consultation with your teacher, from the standard solo literature for your instrument. Pieces from popular songbooks and band parts are not acceptable audition selections.

Violin Candidatesbys/REP Level: All 3­octave major and minor scales (form of candidate’s choice), by memory; technical facility in all positions; previous ensemble experience

JRO Level: 3­octave major and minor scales through four sharps or flats (form of candi­date’s choice), by memory; technical facility through five positions; well­developed tone quality, bow strokes, and vibrato

yPso Level: 3­octave major scales (G, A, B­flat & C), by memory; technical facility through four positions; comfortable use of vibrato and fundamental bow strokes with varied articulations

PE Level: Suggested age Grade 2 to Grade 4; Two contrasting pieces (minimum level Suzuki Book 2); 2­octave major scales G, A, & B­flat; NO orchestral excerpts

Viola Candidatesbys/REP Level: All 3­octave major and minor scales (form of candidate’s choice), by memory; technical facility in all positions; previous ensemble experience

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boston youth symphony (bys)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 12:30–5:45pmCamp: August 12–23, 2014Audition fee: $40 (due with form)Camp fee: $1,975 (due 7/1/14)season tuition: $1,275 ($235 non­refundable registration fee due 7/1/14, balance of $1,040 due 9/2/14)

Repertory orchestra (REP)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 1:15–5:45pmCamp: August 17–23, 2014Audition fee: $40 (due with form)Camp fee: $1,375 (due 7/1/14)season tuition: $1,275 ($235 non­refundable registration fee due 7/1/14, balance of $1,040 due 9/2/14)

Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 11am–2:30pmCamp: August 12–17, 2014Audition fee: $40 (due with form)Camp fee: $1,225 (due 7/1/14)season tuition: $1,275 ($235 non­refundable registration fee due 7/1/14, balance of $1,040 due 9/2/14)

Use these dates/times to select your preferred audition appointment on your application. Weekdays: 2:30pm – 9pm Weekend: 9am – 9pm

All new to byso violin players grade 4 and younger – May, 10Violin Grades 1–7 – May 21–25Violin Grades 8–9 – May 19–20, 25Violin Grade 10–12 – May 21–22, 24Viola – May 20–22Cello – May 20, 22–25bass – May 23, 24Flute – May 19, 21, 25, 27oboe – May 23, 24Clarinet – May 21, 23, 24bassoon – May 20, 24Horn – May 21, 25Trumpet – May 19–20, 24Low brass – May 19, 24 Percussion – May 19Harp – May 25Piano – May 24

Results will be sent out during the week of June 16. Please contact BYSO if you have not received your results by June 23.

AUDITIoN DATEs by INsTRUMENT

sCHEDULEs & FEEs

Rehearsals are held on Sundays, from September through June, at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts Building. (Schedule is subject to change.) Attendance at camp (if applicable) and all rehearsals are mandatory. Need­based financial aid is available upon request.

APPLICATIoN PRoCEss:

step 1: Go to www.BYSOweb.org and click AUDITIONS.

step 2: Complete the online form ($40).

step 3: You will receive a confirmation email of your online submission.

step 4: Your audition date and time will be sent via email within 7–10 days of receiving your application.

QUEsTIoNs? Call: 617.358.1084

or email: byso@bu.edu

young People’s string orchestra (yPso)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 12:30–3:00pm* Audition fee: $40 (due with form)season tuition: $1,275 ($235 non­refundable registration fee due 7/1/14, balance of $1,040 due 9/2/14) Preparatory Winds (PW)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 10:30am–12:00pmAudition fee: $40 (due with form)season tuition: $950 ($235 non­refundable registration fee due 7/1/14, balance of $715 due 9/2/14)

Petit Ensemble (PE)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:00–5:30pm* Audition fee: $40 (due with form)season tuition: $950 ($235 non­refundable registration fee due 7/1/14, balance of $715 due 9/2/14)

Programs for byso Members(Optional and open to all BYSO Members)

Chamber Music Program (optional, per year): $750Composition Classes (optional, per semester): $375

Note new time!

Note new time!

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A U D I T I O N s

BY

SO

Experience a byso concert!

sunday, May 18, 2014Kresge Auditorium at MIT1pm, young People’s string orchestraand Junior Repertory Orchestra6pm, boston youth symphony Sunday, June 15, 2014 at 3pmsanders Theatre at Harvard Universityboston youth symphonyand Repertory orchestra56th season Final Concert

Visit: www.bysoweb.org

In residence at Boston University

BYSO/BSO: Partnering for the Future