Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra

The mission of the Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra is to provide a rewarding orchestral music experience for young musicians in the greater Ottumwa area who wish to expand their knowledge of symphonic repertoire, as well as to 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 audition in May for Ottumwa Youth Orchestra Personnel. Mid-season auditions will be offered.

Tuition and Scholarship Policies

Tuition is due as described below. Checks should be made payable to the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra at P.O. Box 173, Ottumwa, IA, 52501. 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 in full due August 1st (preferred)
Two payments: ½ tuition ($125.00) due August 1st and ½ tuition due Dec. 1

Scholarships

Once accepted, no student shall be excluded from participating in an OSYO ensemble solely due to the inability to pay tuition and fees. Scholarships are available, and following acceptance, families may first indicate their need for financial assistance on the OYSO registration forms.

Audition Dates and Times

Contact manager Luke Miller via email to arrange your audition: lmillerteacher@gmail.com.

Attendance Policy

Students should make every attempt to attend all scheduled rehearsals and concerts. In the event you must miss your conductor should be contacted by text, email or phone call. School events and responsibilities are excused. If the student misses 2 rehearsals, then a conversation will be held regarding the student’s absences.

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency every attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian for permission to seek treatment.

Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor: Yixue Zhang (Snow)
Age: Students in grades 6-8 as of August 2023
Orchestra season: September through April
Rehearsal time: Sunday afternoons 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Rehearsal Location: Bridge View Center, 102 Church St. Ottumwa, Iowa 52537
Audition date: By appointment
Tuition: $250 per school year

The Philharmonic Orchestra is the first step in our youth orchestra program. It offers a unique orchestral experience for the talented, intermediate string player. Participation in the Philharmonic will offer the necessary building blocks for excellence in all your musical endeavors. The orchestra will perform at least two concerts a season.
Membership is open to any intermediate musician playing violin, viola, cello or bass.
Playing requirements: Students in the latter part of Suzuki Book 1 through Book 3 and beyond would experience success.

Specific expectations for members of the Philharmonic Orchestra:

Ability to read notes
Knowledge of material in Suzuki Books 1-3
No shifting out of first position
1 octave scales in G, D, and C major
Ability to perform detache’ and staccato bowing
2-4 note slurs
Ability to perform simple dotted rhythms and triplets
PERFORM A SOLO OF YOUR CHOICE LASTING NO MORE THAN 3 MINUTES
You’ll be asked to sight read (play a piece you’ve not played before)

Register a Philharmonic Audition

Auditions will be held by appointment only. Fill out the registration form and the Manager will be in touch.

Symphonic Orchestra

Conductor: Yixue Zhang (Snow)
Age: Students in grade 9-12
Orchestra season: September through April
Rehearsal time: Sunday afternoon 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Rehearsal location: Bridge View Center, 102 Church St. Ottumwa, Iowa 52537
Audition date: By appointment
Tuition: $250 per school year

The Symphonic Orchestra provides a unique, full orchestral experience for talented high-school 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 Symphonic Orchestra performs at least two concert during their season.
Membership is open to dedicated high school musicians playing standard orchestral instruments.

Specific expectations for members of the Symphonic Orchestra string section:

Students in Suzuki book 4 and beyond, or the equivalent
Shifting from first through fourth
2 or 3 octave scales in G, D, A, C, Bb major
Ability to perform detache’, staccato, spiccato bowing
More complex rhythms
Vibrato
PERFORM A SOLO OF YOUR CHOICE LASTING NO MORE THAN 3 MINUTES
Sight read

Symphonic Orchestra WINDS, BRASS AND PERCUSSION.

Audition expectations:
For all instruments: a solo of your choice not lasting over 3 minutes
Oboe: Scales – 1 octave in E flat, d minor, chromatic scale starting on D-2 8ves are optional
Flute: Scales – 1 octave in D major and F minor; chromatic 2 octave scale starting on F
Clarinet: 2 octave scales in Eb major, F# minor; chromatic 3 octave starting on low E
Bassoon: 2 octave scales in Eb major and E minor; chromatic 2 or 3 8ve scale starting on low Bb
French Horn: 2 octave scales in Ab major and G minor; chromatic 2 8ve scale of choice
Trumpet: 2 8ve scales in G major and A minor; chromatic full range from lowest to highest
Trombone: 2 8ve scales in F major and G minor; chromatic 2 8ve starting on any note
Tuba: 2 8ve scales in F major and G minor; chromatic 2 8ve scale starting on any note
Percussion: bells- 2 8ve scales in A mojor and G minor.

Musicians should be comfortable in 2 sharps and 2 flats and have good sight reading skills with beginning use of vibrato.

Register a Symphonic Audition