Arts & Culture

Syracuse University announces creation of Syracuse Youth Orchestras

Wednesday, September 14, 2011, By Erica Blust

Syracuse University has announced the creation of two new orchestras for young musicians in Central New York: the Syracuse Youth Orchestra (SYO) and the Syracuse Youth String Orchestra (SYSO). Both orchestras are part of the Community Music Division of the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and administered through University College (UC).

“We’re delighted to provide local student musicians with this performance opportunity,” says VPA Dean Ann Clarke. “The new orchestras demonstrate the Setnor School’s dedication to music education and a continued strengthening of the cultural connection between the University and the community. The orchestras also fill the gap left by the closing of the former Syracuse Symphony Orchestra’s youth orchestras.”

“The Community Music Division is a new entity created by the Setnor School of Music to serve the region’s needs,” says Setnor School Director Patrick Jones. “Setnor already houses the Oratorio Society, Syracuse Children’s Chorus, Syracuse Summer Festival Orchestra, youth bands and wind ensembles and offers private music lessons for members of the community. The SYO and SYSO are natural additions to the school’s existing community offerings.”

“The Community Music Division is the perfect partnership between the Setnor School of Music and University College,” says UC Dean Bethaida González. “It allows us to serve members of the community of all ages who are interested in music.”

After being accepted into one of the orchestras by audition, students register and pay fees through University College. Auditions for membership in the orchestras’ 2011-12 season have been held, and rehearsals began Sept. 11 at Eagle Hill Middle School in Manlius.

The SYO will be conducted by James R. Tapia and the SYSO will be conducted by Muriel Bodley, both of whom are faculty members in the Setnor School. The orchestras consist of middle and high school student musicians from Central New York. Playing in these ensembles helps students grow musically and intellectually and learn discipline and teamwork that will benefit them throughout life.

Performances are being planned at venues throughout the region, including area high schools, Crouse Hinds Theater and SU’s Goldstein Auditorium in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. Concert dates and venues will be announced when available.

For more information about the Community Music Division, contact the Setnor School at (315) 443-5892.