Mission
The mission of the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra is to provide excellent music education opportunities for youth in and beyond the greater Calhoun County area through ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, coaching, and performance opportunities. In an atmosphere that promotes learning, respect and friendship, BCYO nurtures each student as a unique individual.
Goal
The goal of the organization is to serve all students who have the desire to further their music education, regardless of ability to pay.
History
The Battle Creek Youth Orchestra was founded in 1966 by the Morning Musical Club of Battle Creek. The first Youth Orchestra of 46 students from Battle Creek, Lakeview, Harper Creek, Springfield, Kellogg Community College, Coldwater and Gull Lake schools presented its first concert in November of that year.
As the student music educational need in the community arose, the organization added the ensembles of Junior Strings (1985), Intermediate Strings (Reading Ensemble, 1988), Beginning Strings and Junior Winds (1999), Junior Youth Orchestra (2001) and Music Connections (2009).
During its 42 year history, BCYO conductors have been distinguished musicians and dedicated teachers. The current director of the Youth Orchestra is Eliot Gitelman, director of orchestras for Sturgis Public Schools and instructor at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. The director for the junior ensembles and Junior Youth Orchestra is Alice Hammond. Ms. Hammond is a former band and orchestra teacher for Vicksburg School District.