The Corvallis Youth Symphony (CYS) was founded in 1982 by Charles Creighton to provide talented students with musical experiences to enhance and extend music education in the schools.
Beginning that year with forty-four students from two local high schools, CYS has since grown to over seventy students from schools throughout the mid-Willamette Valley and the central coast.
Training
CYS students receive exceptional orchestra training. The conductor, Charles Creighton, selects standard classical repertoire which will challenge and inspire students. Several times a year, sectional rehearsals are held (i.e., each section of the orchestra rehearses by itself) and for these rehearsals, professional musicians from Oregon orchestras and faculty from area music schools are brought in to coach the students.
Performances
The CYS season includes two formal concerts and hosts a Classical Cabaret in March. Guest artists from past seasons include The Amelia Piano Trio, Pink Martini, the composer Alan Hovhaness, conductor Hans-Dieter Resch, and pianists Daniel Epstein, and Tian Ying. Among the priorities of the CYSA Board of Directors and staff is a commitment to performing and commissioning new contemporary classical music, thus ensuring that future generations will have ample repertoire to choose that is fresh and inspiring. Recent commissioning and premieres include Of Stellar Waters by CYS alumnus Greg Simon, a new “Triple” Concerto by composer Daron Hagen and selections by Kenji Bunch. The 2011/2012 concerts will be 3:00 pm Sunday, December 11, 2011 and 7:30 pm Sunday, May 6, 2012, at LaSells Stewart Center. Classical Cabaret is Saturday, March 10, 2012.
Membership
Membership in CYS is by audition only. Students admitted into CYS are required to participate in their school band or orchestra, if their school has one.
Fees
Fees for participation in CYS are $385/year. Limited financial aid is available.
Some scholarships are awarded each year for additional training, such as summer music camp or private lessons with a special teacher.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 at Crescent Valley High School.
CYS New Member Auditions
Wednesday May 16 and Thursday May 17 from 3:30 to 7pm at CVHS.
Contact Dave Traut using the form below or call him at 541-745-5394 for an audition appointment.
Audition requirements:
Strings
- Major and minor 3-octave scale
- 3-4 minute excerpt from solo literature
Winds
- 2-octave scale
- 3-4 minute excerpt from solo literature
A parent is required to attend the audition.
