Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra

The mission of the Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra is to provide a rewarding orchestra music experience for musicians in the greater Ottumwa area who wish to expand their knowledge of symphonic repertoire, as well as participate in superior musical performances with a professional and dynamic conductor.

Participation in the Youth Orchestra builds upon the musical instruction students receive through their private lessons and school music programs. Young musicians may join in September. There is also the opportunity to join the orchestra at the second semester. Tuition may be paid either per semester or for the entire year.

The Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra

Music director/conductor: Jaymes Winn
Age: Students in grade 6-12
Season length: September – Mary
Weekly rehearsals: Sunday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Rehearsal/Concert location: Indian Hills Community College, St. John Auditorium

The Youth Orchestra provides a unique, full orchestral experience for talented, hard-working musicians in Southeast Iowa and Northeast Missouri.
Participation in this group promotes a top-notch musical experience through the study and performance of standard orchestral repertoire and contemporary works. The orchestra performs three concerts during its season.
Membership is open to dedicated musicians in grades 6-12, playing standard orchestral instruments.

For questions, reach out via email to Manager Luke Miller (lmillerteacher@gmail.com) or Assistant Manager Kathy Loucks (kloucks7191@gmail.com)

Here's what three OSYO members have to say

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Tuition and Scholarship Policies

Tuition is due as described below. Checks should be made payable to the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra. To expedite tuition payments, please include the student’s name in your check’s memo field. For parents/guardians wishing to pay by credit card, your credit card number will be kept securely on file for all tuition payments and receipts will be provided via mail.

Tuition Payment Options

One payment: Full tuition ($200) due at first rehearsal
Two payments: 1/2 tuition ($100.00) due at first rehearsal and 1/2 tuition ($100.00) due at first rehearsal in January
Custom payment plan: This option is for scholarship recipients. Terms will be decided upon with the orchestra manager or assistant manager.

Scholarships

Once accepted, no student will be excluded from participation in an OSYO ensemble solely due to the inability to pay tuition. Scholarships are available and, following acceptance, families may first indicate their need for financial assistance on the OSYO registration form (coming soon).

Important Dates this Season

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays beginning in September. Concert details will be announced soon.

Attendance Policy

Attendance at every rehearsal is expected except in the case of personal illness or family emergency. The conductor may ask you to provide an audio “report” of your portion of the assignment.

Policies Regarding Safety, Medical Releases, Publicity Releases, Rehearsal Cancellation, etc.

Release forms for the use of pictures taken during rehearsals or concerts will be distributed at the first rehearsal.

Concert Attire

Dress rehearsal: You may wear what you typically wear day by day to this rehearsal. A dress rehearsal is a “pretend it’s the concert” rehearsal.

For the concert: Students should wear white, long-sleeved shirts/tops with black trousers or skirts and black shoes. For high school students, you may wear your uniform provided by your organization (typically this is a black tux for the gentlemen and long black dress for the ladies).