22 November 2020

Grover is a Legend!

Here is a shout-out to Grover Wilhelmsen. He was a treasure before, but now he's a legend. Grover is a long-time supporter and founder of our youth symphony. He owns Classical Strings and sponsors us every year. We wish him well in his recovery, and wanted you to see these lovely stories. 

Intermountain Healthcare posted this.



We love you, Grover!

Blessings,
Julie

--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director

19 November 2020

Sleigh Ride! - NUYS

Greetings! 

Mr Dunn and I have decided to add a piece to our program for Dec 19. Since our concert is just a few days before Christmas, this seems appropriate. He has chosen Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. If you've never played it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it! It's joyful and fun. Something we all need right now. 

We are going to send out separate emails (by the end of today) to the different sections of the orchestra with parts to practice. We also encourage you to listen to Sleigh Ride over the next couple weeks until we can meet again for rehearsal (in addition to the other pieces for the concert: Star Wars, Broadway, Mozart and Saint-Saens).

Have a great day, and a Happy (and safe) Thanksgiving.

Julie

--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director

10 November 2020

Concert Rescheduled - New Calendar - NUYS & NUYCO

Greetings!

Concert
Our concert has been rescheduled for December 19, Ogden High, 2 pm, with all the same timing for rehearsals as before: 
9:30 Setup
10:00-12:15 Youth Symphony On Stage rehearsal (Wear concert attire so we can take pictures)
12:00 Chamber players arrive
12:30 Hallway and check-in volunteers arrive for instructions. Click here to volunteer.
12:30-1:30 Chamber Orchestra On Stage rehearsal (Wear concert attire so we can take pictures)
1:00 Audience Seating begins. Use the same audience registration form that we were already using. We will honor all previous registrations made for the canceled concert.
1:30 Call time for the concert
2:00 Concert begins
3:15 Audience dismissed into courtyard, musicians will meet you outside, clean up crew to strike the stage. Click here to volunteer.

Calendar Changes
November 14, 21, and 28: NO rehearsals
December 5, 12: Regular Rehearsals
December 19: Concert (See above)
December 26, January 2: NO rehearsals
January 9: Rehearsals begin again
February 27: Concert at Mount Logan Middle School (As currently scheduled)

The online calendars for both orchestras have also been updated. 

If you have questions, others probably do too. Please ask! 

Thanks so much for all your awesomeness! 

Blessings,
Julie

--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director

09 November 2020

Concert Postponed

Our concert for November 14 has been postponed by the host school district. I'm working on details and rescheduling. It will likely be in December. I will be in touch with a revised schedule, hopefully later today; if not, tomorrow. 

Thank you for your patience. More announcements later!

:)
Julie

--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director

06 November 2020

*Please Read* Announcements & Rehearsal Schedule - NUYCO

Hello families! 

Please read this entire email. There is important information here for you!

Our concert is Saturday, November 14, at 2 PM at Ogden High School. If you have questions about what is happening after reading this entire email, please let me know!

Registration for the audience
We are ready for your guests to register for the concert. The limit is 4 guests per performer. You may have them register in more than one group, so if you have 2 people who are still socially distant from 2 other people, you would have them register in 2 different groups, but under your name as the performer. Each group's contact person's name will be entered on the auditorium map after that group is seated. That, combined with the registration, will constitute our contact tracing. 

The reason for a limit of 4 audience members per participant came from the size of the auditorium, the number of people participating in the concert on stage, and a number of back and forth negotiations (I talked them up from 2). If you are desperate for an extra seat, we may be able to accommodate. Please mention it in the comments section of the form. If you are NOT going to use all four seats, please request only the number you will be using. 

Please communicate among yourselves before registering a group. 

We do not have plans to broadcast or record the concert at this point. Nearly all the pieces NUYS will be performing (exception: concertos) require licensing to live stream, and additional licensing to record. Contact me or Julie TODAY if you want to help with this effort. We would also need additional funding and a volunteer to actually do the live stream or recording. We are members of ASCAP and as such we are on the radar of the copyright people.

Adult Volunteers - 8 before, 5 after
We need 8 volunteers beforehand: 3 ushers for the main floor, 2 ushers for the balcony, and 3 check-in people in the hallway. 

The 3 in the hallway will check groups in, assuring they have registered. They will each need a google sheets app on their phone. Here is the app for Android. Here is the app for iPhone.

Each usher will be responsible for a section of the auditorium to map out where each group is sitting. They will be given a clipboard with a map to mark, and they will speak with each group and write the identifying information. 

All of these volunteers need to be in the building by 12:30 pm to coordinate efforts. 

5 cleanup volunteers will be needed at the end to strike the stage. 

They will stack chairs and stands and put everything away. It is going to be very important to do this in a timely manner as there is another event coming in right behind us. 

NUYCO Arrival Time
12:00 arrive at OHS, set up, warm up
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm NUYCO Dress Rehearsal (wear your concert attire so we can take photos)
1:00 to 1:45 pm Seating of groups, as described above
2:00 to 3:15 pm Concert

Guest Arrival Time
Please instruct your guests to arrive between 1:00 and 1:30 pm, and to plan to be in their seats by 1:45 pm, 15 minutes before the 2 pm concert start time. If social distancing is impossible in the hallway, groups may have to wait patiently outside, Costco-at-the-beginning-of-the-pandemic style. Volunteers in the hall may walk up the line, checking in the groups as they arrive, for better social distancing and faster seating. 

Do you think it'll work? It'll take a miracle! (JK) :) 

Here is the link to the audience registration form. Please have your group(s) fill it out asap.

To volunteer as ushers, check-in people, or cleanup crew, click here and sign up on the spreadsheet. 

**************

Now, for NUYCO rehearsal information!

Rehearsal tomorrow will be at Promontory from 9:45-11:15. Just normal time, no extensions.

Two people in my (Josie) household have tested positive for COVID. Therefore, very very sadly, I will not be at rehearsal tomorrow OR the concert. :( Julie, the NUYS manager, will take my place as the viola specialist and will handle all questions and organization at Ogden High. Thank you, Julie!

Immediately following the concert, Julie will collect ALL the NUYCO folders and the music inside. If your NUYCO member will be unable to attend the concert, please let me know ASAP so Julie can get your folder beforehand. We will then take a break for November 21 and 28. Happy Thanksgiving!

Our first rehearsal of the new concert season will be December 5, same time, same place. We will rehearse on the 12th and 19th as well, take two weeks off for Christmas, and return on January 9.

You made it to the end! Hooray! 10 points to you. Best of luck to all the NUYCO members at the concert!

-- Josie Anderson | NUYCO Managing Director

Questions - NUYS

I have had two questions and I'll answer them here in case others are wondering

1. The reason for a limit of 4 audience members per participant came from the size of the auditorium, the number of people participating in the concert on stage, and a number of back and forth negotiations (I talked them up from 2). If you are desperate for an extra seat, we may be able to accommodate. Please mention it in the comments section of the form. If you are NOT going to use all four seats, please request only the number you will be using. 

2. We do not have plans to broadcast or record the concert at this point. Nearly all the pieces we will be performing (exception: concertos) require licensing to live stream, and additional licensing to record. Contact me TODAY if you want to help with this effort. We would also need additional funding and a volunteer to actually do the live stream or recording. We are members of ASCAP and as such we are on the radar of the copyright people.

And a request. Please communicate among yourselves before registering a group. I already have multiple groups registered for one performer! 

Don't forget, I need an army of volunteers to usher and check people in and strike the stage.

See y'all tomorrow unless you are sick or quarantined!!!

Julie

--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director

05 November 2020

Announcements & Rehearsal Schedule - NUYS

Greetings!
This one's super important... Please read to the end. 

Registration for the audience
We are ready for your guests to register for the concert. The limit is 4 guests per performer. You may have them register in more than one group, so if you have 2 people who are still socially distant from 2 other people, you would have them register in 2 different groups, but under your name as the performer. Each group's contact person's name will be entered on the auditorium map after that group is seated. That, combined with the registration, will constitute our contact tracing. 

Adult Volunteers - 8 before, 5 after
In addition to registering the audience online, ahead of time, we need 8 volunteers beforehand: 3 ushers for the main floor, 2 ushers for the balcony, and 3 check-in people in the hallway. 

The 3 in the hallway will check groups in, assuring they have registered. They will each need a google sheets app on their phone. Here is the app for Android. Here is the app for iPhone.

Each usher will be responsible for a section of the auditorium to map out where each group is sitting. They will be given a clipboard with a map to mark, and they will speak with each group and write the identifying information. 

All of these volunteers need to be in the building by 12:30 pm to coordinate efforts. 

5 cleanup volunteers will be needed at the end to strike the stage. 

They will stack chairs and stands, and put everything away. It is going to be very important to do this in a timely manner as there is another event coming in right behind us. 

Guest Arrival Time
Please instruct your guests to arrive between 1:00 and 1:30 pm, and to plan to be in their seats by 1:45 pm, 15 minutes before the 2 pm concert start time. If social distancing is impossible in the hallway, groups may have to wait patiently outside, Costco-at-the-beginning-of-the-pandemic style. Volunteers in the hall may walk up the line, checking in the groups as they arrive, for better social distancing and faster seating. 

Do you think it'll work? It'll take a miracle! (JK) đŸ˜‰

Here is the link to the audience registration form. Please have your group(s) fill it out asap.

To volunteer as ushers, check-in people, or cleanup crew, click here and sign up on the spreadsheet. 

********************

Now, for the good stuff...

Please note that there are staggered arrival times this week. Some will prepare to play by 8:30, some by 9:00 and some by 9:30. These are not arrival times. These are times to be warmed up and in your seats ready to play. Some of the times are approximate, so plan to arrive early and stay late! Who knows what will happen!

This Saturday's rehearsal schedule will most likely work out as follows:
8:00 am Doors Unlock - Setup
8:20 am Find your seat, prepare for rehearsal
8:30 am Mozart people (strings, flutes, horns, Elizabeth) in the Gym to work on clarinet concerto glitched
9:00 am  Saint-Saens people in the Gym to work on cello concerto glitches
9:30 am Full orchestra for Star Wars and Broadway
10:30 am Saint-Saens and Mozart run-throughs, in that order
11:00 am Clean up
11:30 am Doors lock


**********************

As a reminder: 
Concert Day, November 14, 2020, Ogden High Auditorium
9:30 am Setup 
10:00 am to 12:15 pm NUYS Dress Rehearsal (wear your concert attire so we can take photos)
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm NUYCO Dress Rehearsal (wear your concert attire so we can take photos)
1:00 to 1:45 pm Seating of groups, as described above
2:00 to 3:15 pm Concert


Schedule for the Future:
We have a few changes for the coming weeks that are different from the original schedule.
1. There will be no rehearsal November 21st, the week after the concert. There will be no rehearsal the following week for Thanksgiving.
2. In December, we will rehearse 3 weeks before taking a break: December 5, 12 and 19. 
3. The break will be December 26 and January 2.
4. Our first rehearsal in January will be on the 9th.
5. Our February concert is still scheduled for February 27th. This schedule change gives us 3 weeks in a row in December, and then 8 weeks in a row after the break, including the day of the concert.

Our google calendars have been updated, and here is a link to the updated PDF Calendar for both orchestras.

You survived the fire swamp!

:)
Julie

PS Here's the link to the press release page for the concert (which I just sent out as an email a little while ago).
--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director

Press Release: Northern Utah Youth Symphony and Chamber Orchestra in Concert

The Northern Utah Youth Symphony and Chamber Orchestras will be presenting their season opener concert Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 2 pm at Ogden High School. Due to social distancing requirements, the audience size is limited. If you are interested in attending the concert, contact a member of the orchestra. Admission is free thanks to our season sponsors.

Keeping with a theme of 2020, the Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Nathan West, will open the concert with the theme "Masked Heroes" featuring arrangements of The Incredibles, Critter Crawl, The William Tell Overture, and music from The Mask of Zorro.

The Youth Symphony under the direction of Conrad Dunn will then take the stage with A Salute to Broadway, followed by two featured concerto performers, and closing with a crowd pleaser, Star Wars Through the Years.



Elizabeth Archuleta will be performing the Clarinet Concerto in A by W.A. Mozart. She is a junior at Venture High School, and plays in the school band directed by Cindy Child. Cindy has been Elizabeth's teacher since she started on the clarinet in the sixth grade in the school's beginning band. Since then, music has become Elizabeth's passion and it's what she wants to pursue. She plans on taking a dual degree program in clarinet performance and music education, to be able to share music with others.

She has played in honor ensembles with Utah State University, Southern Utah University, and Weber State University.  She loves meeting people who are connected through music, who she would never have met otherwise. There is a connection we all have through music that is like no other. To be able to perform with the orchestra is such a privilege, and she sincerely thanks every member for being there to play with her.

She would like to give a special thanks to her parents for always supporting her music journey in every way they can, being there for the long drives across the state for performances and practices, and especially handling the late night practices that we know keep them awake. Also, a very special thanks to Mrs. Cindy Child, who always supported Elizabeth and provided her nearly all of her music opportunities. Without this mentor, Elizabeth knows she would never have discovered her love for music in the way that she has and she is so grateful to her teacher, for always encouraging her, believing in her, and showing her how wonderful music is.



Kai Bowen will perform the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto. Nikei "Kai" Bowen has been playing cello for five years and currently studies under Daniel Pack. This will be his third year playing with NUYS.

Kai is a senior at DaVinci Academy of Science and the Arts and has been enrolled since 7th Grade. He has been section leader for the school's orchestra for four years, as well as section leader for NUYS for two years. Kai also played with Ogden Youth Symphony for three years, and was section leader for one of those three years.

Aside from youth orchestras, Kai competed at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in the Minstrel category for three years and has won third overall, as well as a specialized award for Exceptional Performance in an ensemble. Kai also competed in DASA's solo ensemble festival, along with ASTA at Weber State, where he received superior ratings. Kai also had the opportunity to be a part of the band in his school's productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Hello Girls.

Kai enjoys the arts, both performing and visual, and plans to major in cello performance and double minor in ceramics with an emphasis on sculpture and 2D art studio.

Finally, Kai would like to thank Ian Marshall, Layy Salais, Daniel Pack, Dr. Moreno, Adam Slee, and many other teachers and mentors for motivating and pushing him to become a better musician throughout his cello experience. And most of all, he would like to thank his family for their unconditional love and support.

03 November 2020

Cello Concerto Recordings

These Concerto References are from Kai! Please take the time to listen and follow along in your music. 

Enjoy!


--
Julie Gardner | NUYS Managing Director