Ensembles

Boston Youth Symphony (BYS) is BYSO’s premier full symphonic orchestra with highly advanced students performing symphonic repertoire and operas. This orchestra is comprised of 115 outstanding players who demonstrate strong musicianship and highly advanced technical level. The group performs a wide range of demanding orchestra repertoire and is conducted by Federico Cortese.

Under the direction of Mark Miller, Repertory Orchestra (REP) is an advanced, full symphonic orchestra composed of 107 players of great technical and musical ability. REP has performed at several prestigious venues in greater Boston including Symphony Hall, Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory, and the Tsai Performance Center at Boston University. All REP members begin the season at BYSO camp, which is held at New England Music Camp (NEMC) in Sidney, Maine. During the season, all members participate in one of two chamber orchestras, Repertory Sinfonietta and Repertory Camerata, in which they explore music of the Classical period, including works by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. By studying this repertoire in a chamber orchestra setting, REP members develop specific techniques of ensemble playing and musical phrasing to a degree they may not otherwise experience within the larger orchestra.

The Junior Repertory Orchestra (JRO), conducted by John Holland, has grown steadily from a small string orchestra to a full symphonic ensemble made up of more than 108 members. Members receive group and individual coaching which 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 camp, which takes place at New England Music Camp (NEMC) in Sidney, Maine. There, members spend a week learning new music, making new friends and enjoying the beautiful NEMC campus. During the regular season, JRO members participate in a weekly musicianship class. Students explore harmony, pulse and rhythm through singing, body percussion, and critical listening exercises. The opportunity to make music away from the particular technical demands of their instruments continues to be enlightening and essential to the students’ musical growth. JRO has also been regularly featured as part of WGBH Classical Cartoon Festival.

The Young People’s String Orchestra (YPSO), conducted by Marta Żurad, is known as one of the finest children’s orchestras in the New England area. 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 fellow musicians challenge each other every rehearsal; they learn the rewards of hard work and a mutual dedication to excellence. YPSO has performed at such venues as Symphony Hall, Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center, Kresge Auditorium at MIT, and has been featured as part of WGBH Classical Cartoon Festival. Since the 2009-2010 season, YPSO has performed as part of the BSO Family Concerts.

Preparatory Winds (PW), conducted by Janet Underhill, is an ensemble of winds, brass and percussion where students work on orchestral style music in preparation for BYSO’s full symphony orchestras. Conducted by Janet Underhill, PW focuses on blend and articulation while introducing students to standard orchestral doublings and skill sets needed as a successful musician. Students in PW are exposed to standard transpositions and clef usage typical to their instrument in orchestral literature. PW has performed in a variety of venues including Symphony Hall, Tsai Performance Center at Boston University, Granoff Music Center at Tufts, Roxbury Community College and Sanders Theatre at Harvard University.

Petit Ensemble 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 Two (violin, viola, cello, and bass) conducted by Marta Zurad. 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.