Three Different EBYO Groups Available
What groups are offered? EBYO provides a multi-level development program for young musicians. String players can progress from second-year group lessons to an advanced symphony orchestra. The program also offers intermediate and advanced orchestral opportunities for wind, brass and percussion players. Based on musical ability and demonstrated growth, students are afforded the opportunity to progress through EBYO's several groups listed below, in order of increasing proficiency.
EBYO students are required to participate in their school music program if one exists. The reason for this is that we were formed by a group of parents, music teachers (from elementary to college), and philanthropic organizations who saw a need to complement school music programs, not replace them. The founders saw a danger in skimming off the most advanced players from their school programs, leaving the school music programs weakened and eventually unavailable for students without access to private lessons and other support.
We have made accommodations excusing students from part of the season so they can participate in their school marching band. There are also exceptions for students whose instrument is not supported at their school (for instance, violin at a school with only a band) and students whose music teacher excuses them from their school program. We can also consider excusing students for one year, maximum, to allow for a very tight schedule. To support music programs and music teachers, we feel we must require students generally to participate in music at their school.
We understand that this means making hard choices when it comes time to schedule classes for the coming year. Thank you for respecting our position.
EBYO Concert Orchestra seeks to enhance and amplify the intermediate student's school music experience by introducing new keys, bowing techniques, higher positions, and ensemble skills. The Concert Orchestra is a full orchestra that combines strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. This orchestra performs standard school orchestra arrangements of the Classical and Modern repertoire.
The Concert Orchestra is an inclusive ensemble. There is no audition required, merely the recommendation of a school music or private lesson teacher. In lieu of a recommendation, applicants may still send in a video audition demonstrating their skill level. Ideally, after this experience students will be well-prepared for the greater challenges of our Symphony Orchestra repertory.
Concert Orchestra rehearses weekly at California State University East Bay.
Tuesday, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
EBYO Symphony Orchestra is our more advanced and larger group and stresses the refinement of concert performing techniques (bowing, phrasing, articulation and dynamicsEE) and provides an in-depth exploration of original and contemporary orchestral literature typically from standard orchestral scores.
Symphony Orchestra rehearses weekly at California State University East Bay.
Tuesday, 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm
EBYO Horizons Ensemble is a student-led chamber group, featuring some of the best musicians in EBYO. Horizons rehearses and performs community service outreach concerts and events. The Horizons Ensemble typically perform in Art is Education supported programs in libraries, nursing homes, and civic events around the East Bay. Leadership training and community service is an important mission of this small ensemble. The Horizons Ensemble provides student leaders excellent opportunities for leadership and community service examples to enhance their college applications.
Horizons Ensemble rehearses weekly at California State University East Bay.
Tuesday, 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm