Keith Pray Conductor, Repertory Jazz Orchestra Jazz saxophonist and organist Keith Pray joins ESYO as the conductor of the Repertory Jazz Orchestra. While at the podium with ESYO’s Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Keith will bring a unique perspective and versatility to ESYO Jazz that will introduce young Jazz musicians to a
DOWNBEAT! Official e-Newsletter of the Empire State Youth Orchestra | Summer 2021 Edition ESYO WELCOMES NEW FACES THIS FALL! ESYO WELCOMES DR. DAVID BEBE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, AND ZOË AUERBACH, CHIME & YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM MANAGER We are thrilled to welcome our new education leaders: Dr. David Bebe and Zoe
Dear ESYO Students and Families,This is Dr. David Bebe, ESYO’snew Director of Education. I’m thrilled to announce thecreation of newsummer programs in August!Students will be able to make music and friends through a variety of workshops and events.Whether participating in one or all of these new offerings, it is a
So what is an audition exactly? The word audition means hearing, and it is as old as music itself. The purpose of an audition is simple; it allows ESYO to hear you play your instrument. During an audition, an independent panel of judges listens to your performance. Audition judges are
Today is International Jazz Day! A day to celebrate a uniquely American art form that has influenced and inspired much of the music we enjoy. The hallmark sounds of Jazz are deeply rooted in the musical traditions and experiences of the African-American community and reflect a complicated history that involves
The band was started in 2012 by a group of students who felt that their school’s sporting events needed more spirit and energy. The early years were a bit rough, but once the student-led band started to rehearse together after school, they earned a reputation in school and on the
FREE Virtual Concert | Beat the Snow Winter Concert Series Presented by The Young Musicians Forum and Sponsored by the Friends of the Schenectady Public Library Streaming on YouTube this Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 2pm Anna Ryu, oboe Trey Coughlin, cello William Lauricella, piano and marimba Patrick Yang, clarinet
ESYO String Orchestra Conductor, Joseph Gumpper said it best. Take a listen! This month, in communities across the nation, music teachers, young musicians, parents, and advocates for school music programs celebrate Music in Our Schools Month. Following an “anything but a normal year,” we are more keenly aware of the
ESYO Senior and Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Oboe, Anna Ryu, described the ins and outs of her relationship with the oboe. “There are times when my instrument frustrates me,” said Anna. “But regardless of the trivial frustrations that inevitably accompany the times we play together, I am grateful for the beautiful
ESYO’s efforts to play through the pandemic are made possible through the generous support of countless individuals, neighborhood businesses, corporations, and foundations. This season to date, ESYO has received $156,000 in grant support from 13 local, regional, and national foundations with sizeable investments from The Rea Charitable Trust, The Schenectady
“Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. This is triumphant
