We are excited for the upcoming YOBC spring semester, which begins on Sunday, February 21st! All enrolled YOBC students will be participating in YOBC ensemble rehearsals, led by ensemble conductors. Your conductors are looking forward to seeing you!
Please note: students enrolled in Project 440’s Doing Good program will also continue with that program
Calendar At A Glance
February 21– March 21: Virtual Ensemble Rehearsals via Zoom
March 28 – April 4: No Rehearsals due to Easter and Passover holidays
April 11 – May 16: Proposed Outdoor Rehearsals, location and details TBD
May 22 – 23: Proposed Concerts, location and details TBD
The entire YOBC staff and board understand and share the great desire for students to rehearse and perform together. We believe the calendar outlined above sets us up for the most successful semester. However, we also recognize that we live in a period of high uncertainty and rate of change. We are continuously working through challenges of venue availability, restrictions, and best practices for student and staff safety. We will keep you informed as we approach the April and May dates.
What will the virtual live rehearsals be like?
Just like in-person YOBC rehearsals, specific activities will vary due to conductor style and age/ability level. However, in all of our virtual live rehearsals we are committed to:
- YOBC students playing their instruments
- Learning ensemble repertoire and working towards ensemble goals
- Rehearsing in small groups and sectionals –
- Many youth orchestras are reporting that this is the most productive and engaging use of virtual rehearsal time
- Sectional emphasis means our student-teacher ratio is more favorable than ever, and your child will be learning from skilled instrument specialists
- Giving students opportunities to connect with each other
Registration Details
If your student is fully registered and participated in Fall Electives, no need for any action.
If your student is registered for the Spring Semester, no need for any action.
(If you previously requested a fall semester refund only, you are still registered for the spring semester)
If your student did not complete YOBC registration and would like to join for the Spring Semester, please click here to register.
If you would like to change the registration status of your student, please contact the YOBC Office.
Please make any registration changes by February 14th 2021.
Placement Audition Information
Each year at this time we like to provide students and parents with information about our placement process for next season (Fall 2021). There are two possible placements – students may be placed in their current ensemble or moved to another ensemble. Since most students spend at least 2 years in each ensemble, both placements are common. Our goal is to place every student in an ensemble which will provide the best possible learning experience.
We understand that our conductors have not been hearing their students weekly during this unusual season. Therefore, any current YOBC student who wishes to be considered for an ensemble change for the Fall of 2021 may submit a recorded placement audition by May 1, 2021.
If a student does not submit a recorded placement audition, they will be automatically assigned to their current ensemble.
Fanfare Winds and Symphony Orchestra students do not need to submit a recorded placement audition. Their placement will remain the same.
Information about recorded placement auditions, including general criteria and submission guidelines, will be available on March 1, 2021.
What happens to my student’s placement if they are not participating in the 20-21 season, but plan to return for the 21-22 season?
Those students will be enrolled at the same ensemble level that they were placed when originally accepted for the 20-21 season.