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Youth Orchestra Division
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Birmingham String Orchestra ... an entry level string orchestra for young strudent musicians. Members of the Birmingham String Orchestra (BSO) come from string instrument instruction programs throughout the Greater Birmingham area. Everyone is welcome to come make music with us! Each year the Birmingham String Orchestra performs two formal concerts as well as a series of concerts at schools in the area. All three MOP youth orchestras perform in the annual MOP Showcase Recital. For this very special MOP Showcase a small group of BSO students is selected to perform as the BSO Honors Ensemble. During the summer BSO students have the opportunity to participate in the MOP chamber music program. BSO rehearses every Monday during the school year from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Homewood. Conductor for the Birmingham String Orchestra is Paul Merryman. Birmingham Prelude Strings ... an intermediate level string orchestra for advancing string students. Members of the Birmingham Prelude Strings (BPS) come from string instrument instruction programs throughout the Greater Birmingham area. Some members are “move-ups” from the Birmingham String Orchestra and others are new to the MOP Youth Orchestra Division. Everyone is welcome to come make music with us! Alabama Youth Symphony .... is a full orchestra for advanced student musicians. The membership of the Alabama Youth Symphony (AYS) represents communities all across the North Central Alabama area. AYS has performed at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Brierfield Heritage Days, Festival of Trees, the Alabama Music Educators Conference, as well as other community events. AYS performs three formal concerts each season and also participates in the annual MOP Showcase Recital. For the MOP Showcase Recital one AYS member is selected to perform as soloist with the Alabama Youth Symphony. During the May concert, we recognize our graduating seniors in the annual Senior Farewell Ceremony. Our seniors are heading off to colleges and universities all over the country and it is a pleasure to recognize their achievements and accomplishments during the last AYS concert of the season. The Alabama Youth Symphony rehearses every Sunday afternoon during the school year from 2:00-5:00 at Samford University. Music Director for the Alabama Youth Symphony is Dr. Jim Smisek. |
