The Asia America Youth Symphony (AAYS) is one of the premiere youth symphony orchestras of southern California. It prides itself in providing a unique opportunity and experience for its members. Our music director, maestro David Benoit envisioned giving youngsters an environment that was professional in as many ways as possible. The orchestra started as a youth orchestra in 2001 as an additional project of the Asia America Symphony Association, which had a professional orchestra. The two orchestras, the professional and youth were kept primarily separate, but over the years, we saw that it was very beneficial to have some of the more advanced youth members to have the opportunity to play with the professional orchestra.
Now celebrating its 60th season, the Debut Orchestra is one of the oldest pre-professional training orchestras in the country. It is comprised of 70 talented musicians from around the Los Angeles area, ages 15-25. With notable alumni including Glenn Dicterow, Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, Robert Chen, Concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony, and dozens of members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, virtually every major symphony orchestra and film score feature performers who began their careers in this orchestra.
Adhering to a professional rehearsal schedule, the Debut Orchestra performs the full range of orchestra literature, from Baroque to 21st Century, including works for both chamber and full orchestra. Musicians are selected each year through blind auditions adjudicated by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other eminent Los Angeles–based musicians. Orchestra members receive a scholarship to support their studies.
Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Information is available at: http://www.scsboa.org
Be sure to pay attention to application deadlines and check with Mr. Steiner for his deadlines for signatures.
California Band Directors Association
California offers a junior high (Grades 7-8) All State Honor String Orchestra, two junior high (Grades 7-8) All-State Honor Bands, a junior high (Grades 7-8) All State Jazz Band, a high school (Grades 9-12) All State Vocal Jazz Ensemble, 3 high school (Grades 9-12) All State Honor Bands, a high school (Grades 9-12) All-State Jazz Band, and a high school (Grades 9-12) All State Honor Full Orchestra that will participate at the CBDA Convention in Fresno.
CBDA administers Woodwind, Brass and Percussion for the All-State Band and Orchestra Auditions.
The California All-State Honor Orchestra takes place during the same weekend as the All-State Honor Bands in Fresno. All Woodwind, brass and percussion students submitting audition CDs will be asked to choose from three options. Option 1: "I am auditioning for either All-State Honor Band or the All-State Honor Orchestra." Option 2: "I am only auditioning for All-State Band." Option 3: "I am only auditioning for All-State Orchestra." All string players audition by going to www.codaorchestras.org and following the instructions on that website.
a) Auditions must be submitted by the school music director -- Check with Mr. Steiner for Deadline which will be prior to the audition deadline listed on the website in order to process applications.
b) The director must include all fees in one payment and obtain the four required signatures on each student application.
c) The student must be in their school program to be eligible to audition.
Attention Marching Band Students
The Tournament of Roses Parade Wants You!
Band and Color Guard students wishing to audition for the Tournament of Roses Honor Band must apply online at www.pccband.com. There is additional paperwork that requires Mr. Steiner's signature and must be postmarked by late September/early October.
Interested in Jazz Improvisation??
Join the Jazz Angels in Long Beach for your chance in the "spotlight". This group meets every Sunday afternoon/evening providing students the opportunity to learn improvisation in a nurturing, pressure free environment. For more details, contact Barry Cogert at barry@jazzangel.org or go to their website at www.jazzangel.org.
theJazzAngels 3258 E Willow St. Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 981-8410