Dear Senior Symphony Musicians,
I hope that this note finds you doing very well at the start of your well-deserved summer vacation. You work so hard through the school year that summer is a great reward! I know that so many of you have lined up summer jobs, music camps, clinics, seminars, summer school, and awesome trips, too. I hope it is all wonderful and fulfilling time, and that you enjoy the different pace and new experiences.
Congratulations and thank you! I am very happy to know that you will be part of the orchestra in the 2024-2025 season, and I am very grateful that I will be able to make music with so many of you again. It is also my genuine pleasure to extend the warmest welcome to all of the orchestra’s newest members. The roster of musicians is STRONG. Please use this precious time to continue to develop and maintain your technical abilities and musical understanding over these few summer weeks.
This orchestra is an extraordinary group of people from throughout our area who you’ll find have many gifts, interests, and talents. You are all extremely important musicians, and your leadership and impact are recognized nationally and internationally. While you are in the Senior Symphony, I hope you will feel that the orchestra is a place you’ll find happiness and friends while also being able to seriously pursue your own musical journey.
Here’s What’s Next:
First, if you haven’t, please finish registering for the program Register here for 2024-25 Season and please read all the information in the invitation you received.
Second, please mark down the rehearsal and concert dates below on both your family and personal calendars. This is very important step for us! Our Dress Rehearsal and complete set of rehearsal dates will be shared soon.
Even while many of us are preparing the Symphonic Pops Orchestra program (care to join up?), I would love to start selecting the music we will perform next season now! Would you like to help program our concerts? If so, please let me know you’d like to participate in the Senior Symphony Program Committee and attend a few sessions. Here are a few times we’ll meet—I’ll guide you through everything so don’t be shy! If you can, please try to make three of the four sessions…but even if you can’t, I want to know your thoughts!
Important dates and highlights:
Senior Symphony Programming Sessions
- Thursday, June 20, 1:30-3:00pm
- Wednesday, June 26, 1:30-3:00pm
- Thursday, June 27, 1:30-3:00pm
- Monday, July 1, 1:30-3:00pm
Seating Auditions
Wednesday-Sunday, August 21-25, 2024 – music and details will be shared about a month before your audition with me.
Senior Symphony Welcome Concert Rehearsals and Performances at MYAC
- Thursday, August 22, 4:30-6:00 pm
- Saturday, August 24, 1:00-2:30 pm
- Wednesday, August 28, 6:00-7:30 pm
- Thursday, September 5, 6:00-7:30 pm
- Monday, September 9 , 5:30-8:45 pm – Welcome Concert for String Orchestra
- 5:30 pm – Rehearsal
- 6:45 pm – Performance
- 7:30-8:45 pm – Full Rehearsal
- Thursday, September 12, – Welcome Concert for Wind Ensemble Musicians
- 6:30 pm – Report
- 7:00 pm – Performance
2024-25 Concert Dates
- Saturday, November 9, 2024 – Play Your Part Concert; Sharon Lynne Wilson Center; Performance time TBD
- Tuesday, November 19, 2024 – Community Concert Day (Plan to be away from school and with the orchestra)
- Saturday, November 23, 2024 –Concert; Carroll University; 3:00 pm
- Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Winter Concert; Bradley Symphony Center; 1:00 pm
- Sunday, May 4, 2025 – Fanfare and Finale Concert; Bradley Symphony Center; 1:00 pm
Concert Tour of Poland and the Czech Republic
I would love it if you’d go! Additional information will be sent soon.
- July 13-22, 2025 (Current Dates)
- Current performances include:
- ICE Kraków Congress Centre, Kraków
- National Forum of Music, Wroclaw
- Smetana Hall, Prague
In closing, thank you again for your interest in MYSO and your commitment to the Senior Symphony. I am so happy you are here, and I look forward to creating an amazing season together.
Sincerely,
Carter
Carter Simmons, Artistic and Music Director