GYSO - Embracing the Community

It is amazing what can be accomplished when an ambitious and dedicated community comes together. We all see this everyday in our programs, communities and lives.

I could not be more excited than to announce the third season of the GYSO program. If you remember the energy of the start of the program in 2006, we have only continued to build upon that. The GYSO program continues to thrive and next season is no exception.

Auditions for the 2008-09 GYSO season are scheduled for May 9, 10 and 11. Students from 4th – 12th grade all have an opportunity to be part of the GYSO experience.

Michael Alexander, Jessica Sherwood, John Lawless, Stephen Meyer, Ashley Scott, Jim Palmer and Sam Skelton will all be heading up ensembles in the 2008-09 program.

Guest Artists will include Charles Neidich, clarinet (Juilliard, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra); George Curran, bass trombone (Atlanta Symphony); Dan Maske (composer); to name only a few.

One of our strongest goals is to provide unique resources for other programs to flourish. Private lessons, as we know, are something we would like the majority [if not all] of our students to be involved with. It has been a very long time in the making, but I am proud to say that the CSO will host a private lessons program throughout the 08-09 season and for many seasons to come.

What makes this private lessons program unique, is the fact that, within the program itself, funds are set aside for recording projects [students and teaching artists] and scholarship. Our philosophy is that no person is turned away due to financial resources.

If you have the desire to succeed, we will make certain the resources are available.

Music in our Communities - GYSO 08/09

Under the artistic direction and guidance of the Cobb Symphony's renowned Music Director, Michael Alexander and the entire GYSO artistic staff, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra is quickly being recognized as one of the most outstanding youth orchestras in the region! This tradition of excellence encompasses a variety of elements:

• In-depth study of challenging orchestral repertoire
• Direction by a professional conductor
• Coaching by Cobb Symphony, Atlanta Symphony and other outstanding musicians
• Exposure to nationally recognized soloists
• Two Annual Concerto Competitions
• Workshops and master classes
• Side-by-Side Concert with the Cobb Symphony
• Chamber ensemble training and performance opportunities
• Season tickets to all CSO concerts

The Georgia Youth Symphony provides vital symphonic orchestral training and important performance opportunities for exceptionally talented young instrumentalists. By providing GYSO members with an innovative and practical training program, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra distinguishes itself as more than just a youth orchestra experience. As an education program of the Cobb Symphony, GYSO offers many unique opportunities for young musicians who are committed to their developing their talents.

Already the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra is being recognized as a cultural treasure here in Cobb County and has greatly enriched the musical life of the entire region.

The GYSO program is approaching the end of its second season. Many people ask, what is being done to enhance the quality of the program for the third season?

First, access to additional space will make sectionals more productive, easier and more effective. Second, a stronger, clearer and more present connection with members of the Cobb Symphony will provide a more dynamic learning environment. Third, and this is perhaps the most invigorating, the creation of a Private Lessons Program, with an official partner to be announced in the coming weeks.

This Private Lessons Program will not only enhance the quality of the GYSO program, but significantly enhance the accessibility and quality of private instruction to the community at large. This program will encompass a:

• Day of the Arts - Studio Recitals in one of the premiere musical destinations in the region
• Scholarship Fund for summer study
• Recording Fund for students and teaching artists
• Master Classes and Special Guests
• CSO Insider Benefits

Taking private music lessons is one of the most valuable experiences anyone can have in their lives. One on one, undivided attention and instruction from a professional musician and educator teaches self-esteem, discipline, goal-setting, emotional expression, abstract thinking, small muscle control, aesthetic appreciation, response to challenge, cultural perspective, time and space perception, and many other areas of personal development. Music is spiritual, intellectual, and physical, stimulating growth in the whole person.

The Cobb Symphony embraces a vision of access and excellence. We are part of a community that brings together students and teachers, children and adults, aspiring professionals and those who seek to make the arts more meaningful in their lives as audience members or arts supporters.

Throughout all of the CSO’s programs, people of all ages and ability levels interact and study with teachers of national and international repute, fulfilling a vision to provide the highest quality performing arts education by outstanding faculty in an optimal environment. The atmosphere we strive to create is exhilarating.

Located in one of the most diverse and creative cities in the world, this program is positioned to rank among the very best of its kind.

Join us in this voyage of discovery as we begin to imagine the possibilities that this special place and our newly expanded campus afford for our present and our future.

The GYSO program shows what can be accomplished when an ambitious and dedicated community comes together.

Engagement

We all enjoy our daily reading ... whether it be the NY Times, favorite magazine, or information source. There is a comfort and accessibility to simply being able to pick something up whenever you want, put it down when you want and easily go about a daily routine.

In basic terms: the service provider is providing a no-risk, easy access, not scary product that presents a value.

There is a flexibility and service provided within that model that fits almost every lifestyle. Complete control for the receiver.

With respect to business growth and development though, that is the end result of a very long process of market research and development. The point at which a person actually decides to take initiative to decide they want to be a part of something. The point at which they decide to receive.

Figuring out that defining moment, the tipping point if you will, however, lies in knowing when the person decides to actively engage themselves to seek out the product that ultimately they decide how to use.

Finding that stimulus for a business is the difference between success and failure.

So ... how does one go about actively engaging people? How does one go about developing an enthusiastic group of supporters, fans, consumers, patrons, etc.? How does one develop and market their product so that all the above comes to fruition for whatever product you happen to have?

Creativity as an Economic Engine

I am asked quite often how the Cobb Symphony (and all of its programs) relate to, and what positive impact they make on, the economy of the region.

• What critical value does teaching kids how to think creatively in the GYSO program have to their business' bottom line?
• What value does singing in a chorus have to a company's overall productivity?

These are only two of several very valid questions that come out of any day's meetings. They are very important questions, very intriguing and ones that need a clear, concise answer.

Although, I'm still developing answers to all of these, please allow me the liberty to expand upon what I know.

In the United States there are approximately 24 million business firms. More than 99% of them have fewer than 500 employees, and more than 84% of them have fewer than 20 employees. That being said, small businesses account for well over half of all employment in the United States. Most importantly, they are more than twice as likely as large firms to produce high-tech, leading-edge innovations.

For example, take a moment to consider:
• the airplane
• the personal computer
• the cardiac pacemaker
• the FM radio
All things that are an integral part of today’s economic market and resulted from the creativity the environment they surrounded themselves with.

More locally, the giants of Atlanta commerce, such as Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines, were small firms in the early part of the 20th century. Today, we have a new wave of giants emerging from what were once small establishments. Although it is impossible to know which of Atlanta’s current small businesses will emerge as tomorrow’s world-class economic leaders, it is fair to that the way to such results is paved by business leaders, community leaders, politicians, educators, community organizations, and others who consistently make a profound impact on the lives of their community.

So where is all of this going? Two of the biggest challenges business leaders’ face are:

• Learning positive reactionary skills to a variety of stimuli
• Creating idea after idea after idea and not running dry

The ability to be creative is an essential survival skill in any environment. Adapting your mind to be creative (as though it’s second nature) is absolutely crucial.

Business growth, development and prosperity require people with the skills, dedication and determination to see and recognize what a community needs, where it is going and where it will be. Music, by itself, does not necessarily make you smarter, BUT, musical study requires you to develop creative thinking, demands discipline and enhances your communication skills which DO integrate themselves into everything else you do.

So, in answer to “what critical value does teaching kids how to think creatively in the GYSO program have to their business’ bottom line?” - my answer is simple. The skills, discipline and problem solving techniques they are learning here integrates into every other facet of life.

In answer to “what value does singing in a chorus have to a business’ overall productivity?” – my answer is again quite simple. As a member of the chorus, you must be actively listening, actively attentive to your surroundings and effectively communicating your ideas within the structures of the ensemble. It increases productivity because these are the people that are enhancing their listening skills – actually listening – enhancing their communication abilities and engaging those around them towards the same goal they share.

Active listening --- not preparing your answer while the other person is speaking --- leads to engaged, meaningful conversations, which lead to productive actions and products. As a musician, it is required by the very act of being a member of an ensemble that you:

• Be able to react to a wide variety of stimuli and better the overall product
• Constantly create new ideas and be able to communicate to their market

As we are all well aware, businesses and people thrive when they know how to interact and build from one another. Learning how to listen, pay attention and respond are all the founding principles of musical study and performance.

Summer Music Programs

Ahh, the summer months seem to be a long ways off. School is just starting back for the second semester and the thought of having to take more finals ... well, that's simply not appealing at all.

I have a natural inclination for the GYSO summer programs - but I am equally inclined to say that I wish to see everyone who wants to be a part of a summer music program accomplish that goal. Let us know your desires and we will work hard to make your dream come true. Don't hesitate to take us up on audition preparation, applications, or ways to make summer program fees possible. We're imaginative and creative --- if you have the desire, we'll make it happen.

A few side notes on the GYSO programs ...

For any student of high school age who enjoys being challenged by the highest standards, the KSU/GYSO Summer Music Clinic represents a unique opportunity; it is a magical blend of the formal and informal, of joy and hard work. No one who spends a summer with the Summer Music Clinic leaves untouched by the experience.

Our Middle School, Arts Immersion program, is a cutting-edge exploration into a variety of art forms. Students will choose a major (instrumental music, dance, visual art, or drama) and have an opportunity to choose two minor studies from those listed above. The goal of this program is to provide a comprehensive exploration into the powers of each art form.

What makes this program particularly strong is that it brings together the areas finest resources artistically with the sole purpose of enriching and stimulating young minds.

Our Elementary programs are just simply going to be a lot of fun. Each of the weeks has a different theme (and you are not required to sign up for all weeks --- pick and choose as you want) - and enjoy a intimate class setting with 15 - 20 other kids that will immediately be like family. These one-week sessions are designed to encourage creative thought and exploration with the goal of simply enhancing awareness and enjoyment.

It is impossible to list all the talented, dedicated, and charismatic people with whom students will come in contact this summer throughout any program. Summer music programs provide an extraordinary opportunity for students to immerse themselves in music making for an unforgettable summer.

We're back

Happy New Year! Welcome back to the second half of the GYSO season!

The holiday season presents a time to reflect on where we have been and plan for the future. Our fundamental goals have not changed:

• to inspire people to discover their potential through creativity and performance,
• to build and develop discipline and spirit to accomplish a dream,
• to expand artistic opportunities available to all people and to enhance artistic opportunities available to all people, and
• to enhance the quality of our community’s life.

As we begin this year, we have many things ahead of us:

• launching the GYSO Jazz program
• the GYSO ticket initiative, an innovative way to offer fund-raising opportunities that function parallel to the mission of the organization (not simply an abstract activity)
  
• laying the foundation for the Zion Partnership
• holding additional auditions for the GYSO Brass Band
• Three, multi-level summer music programs (High School, Middle School and Elementary)
• Continuing to bringing the GYSO program to the forefront of American youth orchestras through innovative programming, hands on experiences and additional opportunities

I strongly believe consistent communication is key to any organizations stability and longevity. I will be using this blog to provide informal up-dates throughout the course of this year and hopefully for years to come.

Something I have never clearly defined or laid out is the vision for the GYSO program as whole. I offer it to you here and now, and I look to you to help structure the foundation upon which we will create this program.

My vision:
To create a sequential music involvement program for people ages 2 months to 90 years by offering:

• Kindermusic classes
• Early string and percussion instruction
• Sequential ensembles starting with elementary age students going through high school, complimenting already existing school programs, nurturing a pollination of different teaching techniques and ideologies.
• Private Lessons Program
• Active involvement in being a positive resource for already existing programs
  
• Adult music classes and lessons (stepping beyond just classical music, into Jazz and Folk traditions)

It is a very bold ambition and one that will not be accomplished in any short period of time. Some may ask what the value of such programming is, but I leave that to an up-coming post.

Leave your comments, thoughts and suggestions! I look forward to hearing from you soon.