Auditions begin this week

It is certainly that time of year again. Auditions will begin this week for BYSO's 46th season. We have had more students sign up this year than ever before and expect this season to be BIG. We know that for some this will be your first audition, so we wanted to offer up a few tips we found in "Strings" Magazine's archives.

Treat yourself well:

• Eat good foods and plan something fun for the rest of your day.
• Give yourself plenty of time on audition day.
• Stretch or exercize before your audition.

Play as much as possible:

• Balance auditions with concerts and playing just for fun.

Perform mock auditions:

• Its always a good idea to practice auditioning in front of family and friends.
• Practicing in a big space is helpful so you can get used to how you sound in a big room.

Listen to Music

• This is more of a general musicians rule, and pertains to music study as a whole, not just auditions. Frequently listening to music will sharpen your ears and always acts as inspiration.

Above all remember that music is mean to be fun! We love music for the joy it brings to us and others, and we're sure you all agree.

Do you have any tips on how to ace an audition? If so please add them in the comments section below.

Good Luck!

"Best of Bellevue" for the third consecutive year.

We wanted to share the good news with our musicians and their families and friends. Check out this letter we received from the U.S Local Business Association congratulating us on the award.

"The USLBA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Nationwide, only 1 in 120 (less than 1%) 2010 Award recipients qualified as three-time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.
The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chamber of commerce, and other entrepreneurs across America."

Overlake Healing Arts

Volunteer musicians are needed for the Overlake Hospital Healing Arts program. Volunteers will play their musical instruments in the hospital main lobby to provide "inspiration, hope, and healing" as the program is intended to do. There will be a piano available, yet other instruments are equally appreciated. Interested candidiates will be asked to give a one-time short performance at Sherman Clay in Bellevue. The contact person to schedule your appointment is Leng Tshua (425) 577-3534. Kim Smith (425) 688-5365 is the contact for inquiring about times and dates, and she will also get you an Overlake Hospital volunteer application form. Most dates and times will be considered for your performance, however Monday through Friday 10am to 3 pm are the most desireable times to fill. Overlake seeks musicians who can perform smooth, soft, soothing background music appropriate for the hospital environment. The goal is to provide comfort to patients, but we're sure you will also leave feeling good about how you were able to help others in a possibly difficult time.

Internship Opportunities

Did you know that we offer internship and volunteer opportunities for students not only in the summer, but throughout the year? If you know a high school student who is interested in interning with BYSO you can call or email the office for more information at 425-467-5604 or info@byso.org. There is a wide range of opportunities for student participation even within the parameters of BYSO student's busy schedules. Students can commit a day, up to an entire season of service. In the past our interns have received school credit for working with us for a semester through the Interlake High honors program, or sat in and observed in the office for a day to write a senior paper on non-profit organizations. Most often, students will use internships or volunteer hours to meet their service learning requirements for high school graduation. We would also like to implement a job shadow program for students interested in entering the non-profit or music education profession.
Nothing makes us feel better than when our students go on to do great things in the community, so anything large or small we can do to help our students succeed in college, and/or their successive careers is one of our top priorities.

New York Philharmonic Kidzone

Hats off to the New York Philharmonic for their fabulously fun take on musical early childhood education. On their interactive website entitled the "NY Phil Kidzone" kids can compose and share with the "Minuet Mixer," explore the way music can sound on different instruments at the "Orchestra Station," learn about famous composers in the "Composers Gallery," and of course, play lots of musical games.
Teaching Preschool through Elementary age children about orchestral music is vital to our musical communities. Not only does the study of music benefit children by improving their reading and math skills, as studies have shown, listening to, and understanding it can also spark a life long love of the arts.
http://www.nyphilkids.org
If there are any music education websites that you adore, please share them in the comment section.

Scenes from Session 3

Summer Camp Concludes

The end of Session 3 on 7/30/2010 concluded with an afternoon concert on the grass outside of jubilee reach center. We could not of asked for a more pleasant afternoon with blue skies and mild temperatures. Sectionals began, followed by the Camp Session 3 Orchestra whose eclectic showcase featured music composed in the mid 1800's, as well as contemporary pieces from only years ago.
The camp director Jenny Keith shared with us her main goals for this year's summer camps. " That students improved as musicians on their main instruments, learned new styles of music as well as other instruments, and met new friends who love music as much as they do."
Thank you students, parents, interns, staff, and friends, for making our 2010 camps a success. We accrued lots of new memories, and shared lots of fun experiences. We hope you enjoy the waning days of summer and begin preparing for the fall. For those interested in a sneak peak of what our 46th season will look like, check your mailboxes for brochures, and our website soon. We have began posting concert dates and info, and we think you will be very pleased to find there will be lots of opportunities for more collaborations and concerts this year.