Percussion at BYSO /
Develop specialized skills in the realm of percussion with world-class faculty
Percussion at BYSO
Large Ensembles
Percussionists at BYSO are placed in one of four large ensembles, depending on skill and experience level:
Boston Youth Symphony (BYS)
BYSO’s premier orchestra that performs full symphonic repertoire and operas in prestigious venues throughout Boston and beyond.
Repertory Orchestra (REP)
An advanced, full symphonic orchestra performing at prestigious venues across greater Boston.
Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO)
A full symphonic orchestra of students developing orchestral performance skills.
Preparatory Winds (PW)
A young ensemble of winds, brass, and percussion players developing skills in preparation for a full orchestra.
Each ensemble receives coachings and sectionals lead by BYSO percussion faculty.
Percussion Ensembles
Percussionists of BYSO large ensembles are enrolled in BYSO Percussion Ensembles at no additional cost. These groups provide an opportunity for BYSO percussionists to develop skills with chamber music, experience with setups and unusual instruments, and an ear for instrument and mallet choice. Percussion Ensembles explore classics of the percussion repertoire, contemporary works, and even perform new works written for BYSO!
There are two percussion ensembles:
The BYS/REP Percussion Group
The JRO/PW Percussion Group
Percussion Class and Guest Masterclasses
Enrollment in BYSO large ensembles also includes percussion technique classes and guest masterclasses. Percussion classes provide the faculty with opportunities to tackle basic percussion techniques as well as issues not often addressed in private lessons, such as ensemble techniques, accessory instruments (cymbals, tambourine, triangle, and bass drum), and ear training.
These classes also provide time for guest masterclasses from Boston area percussion pros. Guests often cover technique, musicality, practice skills, and provide students feedback on solo and chamber works.
Percussion Teacher Network
Don’t have a private teacher? BYSO has a network of percussion educators throughout greater Boston and can recommend someone who fits your needs. Just ask!
BYSO Percussion Faculty
Sam Solomon, Percussion “Guru”
Sam Solomon is the administrative head of BYSO’s percussion program and works with students as guest faculty. He also teaches percussion at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston University, and is Artistic Director of the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar. Please visit www.szsolomon.com for more.
Mike Williams, Percussion Ensemble Director, Coach, and Percussion Class Lead
Mike Williams is BYSO's principal percussion faculty member, directing the percussion ensembles, running percussion classes, coaching the large ensembles, and leading sectionals. He performs with orchestras and ensembles throughout Boston and serves on the faculty of Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Ryan Snyder, Percussion Coach
Ryan Snyder coaches the percussionists of PW as well as works with all of the young musicians of our Intensive Community Program (ICP). He also teaches instrumental music, choir, and music theory at Boston Latin School, and he's on the executive board of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association.
For more information please email: byso@bu.edu
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