Youth Orchestra
The Youth Orchestra is mostly comprised of high school and college students who have been playing their instrument for at least three years. It is, however, open to any instrumental student in the greater Calhoun County area by audition regardless of age. Fall auditions for all students are held the second and third Tuesday of September with additional auditions scheduled throughout the year as vacancies in the ensemble arise. Interested players must contact the office in advance to schedule an audition time. Auditions consist of a solo of the students choice which demonstrates their greatest musical abilities, scales and sight reading. The solo does not need to be memorized and does not require accompaniment.
Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. usually at Lakeview High School. Occasionally Tuesday rehearsals will be held at Sturgis High School in Sturgis, Michigan. Please check the BCYO Handbook for a complete schedule.
Youth Orchestra members not only become better musicians, but have a good time, too. Rehearsals are a musical learning experience but also provide a chance to get to know other students from various schools from throughout the area. Socialization during events such as the end-of-year party, car washes and Orchestra Camp provide students the opportunity to become friends with a multitude of people who have the same interest; music! Trips such as the Takasaki, Japan trip in 2000 and the trip to Disney World in 2002 have expanded the horizons of many students. The bi-annual side-by-side performance with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra has provided many of the Youth Orchestra members the chance of a lifetime by pairing students with the professional musicians of the Battle Creek Symphony for a week of rehearsals and a major concert at W.K. Kellogg Auditorium. With all its activities, the Battle Creek Youth Orchestra invites you to "Experience the Challenge, Enjoy the Fun!".