In
2006, inspired by a commitment to educating youth through music,
James Matchack came to Don Dozier with a dream of starting a youth
music program. With the vision in hand, James approached Michael
Alexander, Jim Palmer, Tom Gibson, John Lawless and Jessica Sherwood
with a project of creating a world class youth orchestra program
throughout the greater Cobb region! They came together to create a
program that would inspire people to discover their full potential
through creativity and performance, to build and develop discipline
and spirit to accomplish their dream. Further, they wanted a program
that would expand artistic opportunities to all people and enhance
the quality of the community’s life. With this end, auditions took
place in September, and the resulting 200+ students have been on a
journey of lifetime.
Over 200 members of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra
represent nationalities that span the |
globe. They reside in Cobb, Cherokee, Coweta, Dekalb,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Pickens, and Paulding counties.
Over 260 students constitute GYSO’s eight full ensembles -
the Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, Camerata, Sinfonia,
Wind Chamber Music, Percussion Ensemble, Philharmonia Winds,
and Jazz Ensemble.
The
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra provides more than just orchestral
experience for musically gifted children. This year, students will
experience not only great classical repertoire, but also be exposed
to challenging contemporary repertoire.
The orchestras have collaborated with such accomplished
soloists as Chris Martin (principal |
trumpet) Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Cristina Smith
(principal flute) Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Doug
Sommer (double bass) Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Cathy Lynn (viola)
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; James Woodward (composer) University of
Arizona; Adam Frey (euphonium) University of Georgia; David Lloyd
(cello) Cobb Symphony Orchestra.
Extraordinary artistic leadership is a hallmark of the Georgia Youth
Symphony Orchestra program. The combination of Michael Alexander,
Jim Palmer, Ashley Scott, Jessica Sherwood, John Lawless, Tom Gibson
and Stephen Meyer make for a world-class learning environment.
The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, housed at Kennesaw State
University's Dr. Bobbie Bailey Performing Arts Centre, hosts open
rehearsals of all its ensembles on Sunday's from 3 - 9 PM. |
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