What is the MSYO (pronounced "miss yo")?

The Massachusetts Summer Youth Orchestra (MSYO), which meets Tuesdays at schools in Massachusetts, aims to provide high-school and college age students of Massachusetts with the opportunity to play for free in a fun, yet dedicated, summer orchestra completely run by students. The success of the MSYO depends heavily on the enthusiasm and commitment of the players, who not only play, but often help out in fundraising, management, and musical direction. Of course, everything that is done on behalf of the MSYO must be done voluntarily and cheerfully.

Student staff members are elected yearly by the entire orchestral body, with the exception of the Music Director, who is chosen by a special Search Committee consisting of all staff and 4 at-large, elected members. If a candidate for the Music Director position should be currently on the staff at the time of interviews and deliberations, that person will be replaced by an additional at-large, openly elected member of the current orchestra. Should a staff position become empty between elections, the Music Director will appoint a substitute. See STAFF for current members, as well as open positions and their descriptions.

So...what kind of music does the MSYO play? Well, as a classical orchestra, the MSYO could choose to follow essentially two avenues: 1) small, chamber orchestra; or 2) large, symphonic orchestra. The MSYO aims to be both, depending on the personnel available and required for the pieces being played. We strive to play medium advanced to advanced orchestral music.

The MSYO plays a minimum of one concert a season, usually in a high school auditorium in Massachusetts.

So, who can play in the MSYO? MSYO targets the high school and college crowd primarily, although middle school and elementary school students may sometimes be invited to play with the orchestra. Potential orchestra members are asked to participate in a low-key audition to help the Music Director determine better whether or not you would fit comfortably in the orchestra. We do not want anybody exasperated during rehearsals and the concert(s)! For more information on auditions please click here.

For further information, questions, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Music Director Victor Lee via email at [email protected].