General Information
ORCHESTRAS
MYSO is a strings-only orchestra with three levels. Philharmonia is our more experienced and advanced orchestra and is conducted by Mr. Héctor Pinzón. Our Sinfonietta Orchestra is for experienced musicians who are at the intermediate level and is conducted by Ms. Cotina Wicks. Jubilante is our beginner orchestra and is ideal for the musician that is just beginning their musical and orchestral journey. It is conducted by Ms. Camila Patino. Musicians will audition to be placed in one of these three levels and ideally need at least one year of music knowledge and experience.
TUITION
Tuition for the Philharmonia Orchestra is $450 for two semesters. Tuition for the Sinfonietta Orchestra is $400 for two semesters. Tuition for the Philharmonia and Sinfonietta Orchestras includes both sectionals and orchestra participation. Tuition for the Jubilante Orchestra is $300 for two semesters and includes musical development through orchestra participation. If a musician joins half-way through the year, tuition is half of the yearly amount. Each semester is approximately 10 weeks long. In addition to tuition, each musician is required to participate in a minimum amount of fundraising totaling approximately $150 per semester.
SECTIONALS
Sectionals are an invaluable opportunity that musicians will receive in the Sinfonietta and Philharmonia Orchestras. These are sessions where your musician will practice with his instrument group only and where technique is stressed just for that instrument group. All musicians will attend regular sectionals taught by professional musicians to supplement their musical education and promote orchestral development. Participation is required. Sectionals are for one hour and orchestra rehearsals follow immediately after. Please see the Schedule for more specific information on when sectionals are held.
LOGISTICS
The Fall 2016 season begins Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Millsaps College in the Ford Academic Complex which is located at 1701 N. State St. in Jackson, MS. The Fall Concert is on Sunday, November 13, 2016. The Spring 2017 season begins Saturday, January 28, 2017. The Spring Concert is Sunday, April 9, 2017. It is imperative that musicians fully commit to attend all sectionals, rehearsals, and concerts. Multiple absences greatly effect the musical integrity of the entire orchestra, therefore, MYSO seeks committed musicians only. Excused absences are at the discretion of the conductors. Sectionals and rehearsals are held in the Ford Academic Complex. (See Schedule for the updated schedule)
You will receive additional logistical information at the first rehearsal. On this day you will complete your MYSO registration, meet the MYSO personnel, and learn about plans for the season.
ABOUT MYSO
MYSO is the educational arm of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. We celebrate our 68th season this year. We are made up of talented, young musicians from across the state of Mississippi. Most of our musicians come from the tri-county area of Jackson including Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties and attend public, private and home schools. MYSO is open to all youth musicians through their senior year of high school. MYSO has performed across the country and regularly performs at a myriad of events in and around the Jackson area throughout the season. We are excited about the new and challenging repertoire, performance opportunities, and collaborations in store this year.
CONTACT US
There are several ways to get updated information about MYSO this season. Please visit our Facebook page - Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra. Don’t forget to Like us. You will find the latest, most updated information about MYSO, pictures, video clips, and conductor instructions there, or here on our website. As always, you may contact us via e-mail at mysoms@yahoo.com or call (601) 376-9760.
We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding season for your children this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at mysoms@yahoo.com.
Best regards,
Carol Cannon
MYSO President 2016-17