Alek Peugh, Director of Operations and Education, Springfield Symphony Orchestra was our guest speaker and received a check for $1000 for the Youth Symphony.
Under the direction of Carlos Elias, this ensemble is comprised of our top student musicians from over 20 different schools and home schools in Clark, Champaign, Logan, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Shelby counties.
Since 1959, the SYS has provided one of the few opportunities in this area for young musicians to play in a full orchestral setting. Each season features several concerts and weekly rehearsals in the professional environment of the Kuss Auditorium at the at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
Highlights of the Springfield Youth Symphony season include:
» Sectional coaching by members of the SSO.
» Chamber music opportunities with a Brass Ensemble and Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet and Percussion Ensemble. These small ensembles are featured in numerous performances throughout the school year. Students are chosen by audition.
» Master class opportunities with SSO guest artists.
» Project Protégé, a program in which select SYS string players are invited to perform with the Springfield Symphony during a subscription concert.
» A Concerto Competition for SYS seniors. The winner performs a solo with the SSO during the Side-by-Side concert.
» Collaborative opportunities to enhance each student’s participation in the arts. The Youth Orchestra program has participated in exciting collaborations with the National Trail Parks and Recreation District, The Gary Geis Dance Company, The Springfield Museum of Art and the Clark State Community College Theater Program.