Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra

WHO WE ARE
The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is a music program that is deeply rooted in community. We provide a unique music education experience where students can excel musically, connect socially, and grow personally.

OUR MISSION
As the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, we will enlighten the minds of young musicians, embrace creativity, achieve excellence, nurture talents, and give back to the community. Throughout this experience, we will encourage a strong sense of responsibility and commitment in a fun and safe environment. - Written by MVYSO Students.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is committed to making music education an accessible and healthy part of every interested student's life. We believe in helping the student balance musical, social, and personal growth. We believe that involvement in music education teaches valuable and marketable life skills. Our goal is that our programs make a positive difference in the lives of each of our participants.

OUR PROGRAMS

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: This orchestra is open to highly advanced string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players with excellent abilities who are looking for the challenge of performing college and professional-level music at a high caliber.   Most Symphony-level musicians are 11th grade and older.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA: This orchestra is open to string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players with advancing abilities.  Musical goals include improving pitch and rhythm accuracy in increasingly complex keys and rhythm patterns.  Most Concert-level musicians are 9th grade and older.

PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA: This orchestra is open to string, brass, and woodwind players.  Musical goals include learning to play comfortably in sharp and flat key signatures with more complex rhythm patterns. Philharmonia introduces students to playing in a symphony orchestra.  Most Philharmonia-level musicians are 7th grade and older.

DEBUT ORCHESTRA: This orchestra is open to novice string players.  Our string specialist will help students develop skills in playing independent parts in a music ensemble.

DOWN BEAT PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: This class is designed for the budding percussionist or the student who is playing another instrument and would like to learn orchestral percussion.  Students in 4th grade and up will learn fundamental stick and mallet control and music reading skills.  Students will be given professional instruction on orchestral percussion instruments & drum set.

UP BEAT PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: Up Beat Percussion is open to percussionists with one school year or more of playing experience. Students will work on technique, be introduced to playing orchestral percussion instruments, and perform with our Philharmonia Orchestra.

AMBASSADOR ENSEMBLES: MVYSO's Ambassador Ensembles are elite ensembles that boast MVYSO's most advanced Symphony students.  Ambassador ensembles learn what it's like to be "gig" musicians as they often perform in the community for events where it is not feasible to have a full orchestra.  Ambassador ensemble members represent MVYSO as top-tier musicians and citizens.  By invitation only. Ambassador groups include: ELITE STRINGS - for string players, and ELITE WINDS  - woodwind ensemble, including French horn.

JAZZ ORCHESTRA: MVYSO's Jazz Orchestra is for any student/any instrument (or saxophone doublers) in Concert Orchestra or Symphony, or 8th grade and up with at least two years of playing experience, who wishes to explore the genre of jazz. Students will develop a wide range of skills including an introduction to improvisation. 

YOUNG VIOLINS: Young Violins is a learn-to-play group violin program for students in grades 2 and up. Classes will emphasize foundational building blocks to master the violin while working hard and having fun. Students will also use Music Mind Games, Rhythm Cups, and other interactive activities to learn music reading and listening skills to learn to play the violin by ear.  Practicing 5x a week is important to keep up with the pace of the class. Students will be given step by step instructions on how to practice. Practicing will take about 10 minutes at the beginning of the year and grow to about 25-30 minutes. Parent involvement required.

ENDANGERED INSTRUMENTS: This program is intended for students who already play an instrument and wish to switch or double on instruments (double bass, oboe, bassoon, french horn) that are sought after by high school, university, and independent symphony orchestras.

SUMMER CAMP: Camp is a blast with MVYSO!  Each year's week-long day camp has a theme, with optional dress up days, and of course -- lots of music and great times with friends!