What will they think of next?

With Halloween right around the corner, we were looking for some great music inspired Halloween costumes, or something fun to post...well, we did not find any inspiring musical instrument halloween costumes, but we did find http://www.inventorspot.com/ and discovered something pretty cool.

It turns out there are sections of highway in Japan that can turn your car into a musical intrument...sorta.

Here's the basic details from the website: The theory behind the Melody Road is surprisingly imple: a car driven over a series of grooves cut into a roadway will create a resonance as the tires repeatedly cross the grooves. You may have noticed this effect while driving over roads under construction or highway ramps that have been grooved to provide extra traction in inclement weather conditions.

To read the full article and watch a video of Melody Road in action click here: http://inventorspot.com/articles/melody_road_gives_whole_new_mean_8235

Photo credit: http://www.inventorspot.com/

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!

Students perform at MadArt

Here are some amazing photos from the musical performance at MadArt in Capitol Hill this past September from Wanda Holt Photography:

MadArt, Mad Music

Students in the Sapor Dei String Quartet (some are members of BYSO) played to an enthralled audience of 200+ at the MadArt Opening Night event in Madison Park earlier this month. The event was a mingling sort of evening, but many guests pulled up a chair to listen to the beautiful performance from these student musicians. They received many compliments that evening, and seemed to be just as popular as the Art on display!

Chamber Music Ensembles

BYSO has a great reputation for quality performance and professional student musicians. In the last year, student groups (trios and quartets) have been asked to play at a number of community events. This has been a great way for the community to get a taste of what BYSO has to offer and for smaller ensemble groups to perform together. Some groups have even received paid performance opportunities! We would like to offer you/your group the opportunity to become a recommended ensemble.


BYSO Ensemble Adjudication
BYSO often has requests for ensembles to play at events. Such requests include weddings, senior citizen residences, school events, community events, and publicity events.
On October 11 2009, BYSO will hold an adjudication of any ensemble who wishes to be part of our list of recommended groups. There will be a $25 fee for each ensemble.
To be eligible for this adjudication, the ensemble must meet the following requirements:
1. 75% of the ensemble must be current BYSO members
2. There is no set limit to size (quartets, trios, sextets, and so forth are welcome)
3. All instrument groupings are encouraged. Some may be:
a. String ensembles (trios, quartets, quintets)
b. Woodwinds or brass – three to six players
c. Woodwind quintet (fl, ob, cl, horn, bsn)
d. Harp, with other instrument such as flute or violin.
e. Piano with other instruments (please note that needing a piano restricts the places you may be asked to play).
f. Any grouping of 3 – 6 players that you can find consistent repertoire
You will be adjudicated by at least two members of the BYSO music staff on the following areas:
1. Musicality
2. Performance Readiness
3. Presentation
a. In appropriate performance attire, just as if you are performing.
b. Do you present yourselves well?
You will receive one of three ratings:
1. A "One" rating – BYSO will recommend and encourage you for any request.
2. A "Two" rating – BYSO will recommend you for limited requests.
3. A "Three" rating – BYSO recommends that you keep working and try again.

Now's your chance to audition and get on the list! email info@byso.org to sign up.