Concert
March 29 at Lakeview Middle School
7:00 p.m.

Overview

Welcome to the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra

In its 42 year history the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra has evolved into a unique organization providing many students from throughout the greater Calhoun County with an excellent extra-curricular instrumental music education. What makes us unique? The Battle Creek Youth Orchestra believes that all student musicians should have the opportunity to join our ensembles regardless of strict orchestral instrumentation. If five flutists pass the audition for the Youth Orchestra all five are accepted. And what do we do with five flutists? We start a Flute Choir! We also believe that all students should have the opportunity to join BCYO ensembles regardless of ability to pay. Through tuition scholarships offered by the Battle Creek Community Foundation and the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra, no student will be denied access to programs because of financial concerns.

BCYO also gives each student musician a chance to shine. From the Concerto Competition for Youth Orchestra students to ensemble directing for members of the junior groups and plenty of solo opportunities for all, the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra allows all students to reach their fullest performance potential.

Student musicians experience more than just performance opportunities, however. BCYO students learn to become better musicians through interaction with their music directors, professional coaches and each other. Rotating seating in all ensembles helps students coming from different school music programs throughout the area with diverse backgrounds in lessons and training, the opportunity not only to learn from each other but make friends with other student musicians. BCYO social events add to this social aspect of the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra.

But don't just take our word for what a wonderful experience the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra is. Read what some of our students have to say about their BCYO experience:

-It's a nice, friendly community

-I like the music and the people!

-I enjoy the music we play, the people, and Orchestra Camp

-I love meeting all my new friends and playing challenging music.

-You get to be friends with people you would probably never meet. Most of the people are from different schools or are home schooled. And it's a chance to play in a full orchestra which isn't available in most schools in the area.

-BCYO is a place where there are so many opportunities outside of a regular school orchestra. I was able to play music that was hard and made me work. I learned many valuable skills and made many great friends. Music is so important to my life that although I am not continuing it in college, I plan to practice on my own. Without BCYO music would have been lost in my life a while back.

There's a place for every student musician in the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra. Come join the fun!

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