A wide shot of ASTRO performing onstage during a concert. Their conductor stands before them with her arms raised.

Lawrence Youth String Orchestra (LYSO) (Grades 5-8, auditioned)

Staff:

Corrina Albright, teacher-conductor
Ann Hada, manager

Location:
Shattuck Hall 163, Lawrence Conservatory of Music / online via Zoom
Rehearsals: Sundays, 3:15–4:30 p.m.
September 19–November 14
January 9–March 13

The Lawrence Youth String Orchestra (LYSO)—formerly the Academy String Orchestra (ASTRO)—provides dedicated string students in grades 5-8 the opportunity to begin performing orchestral music. Emphases include the development of reading and ensemble skills. LYSO's schedule includes weekly rehearsals (two 10-week semesters) and a performance in November and March. LYSO is the preparatory orchestra for the Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra program; administrators and teacher-conductors in each organization work together to ensure the highest quality opportunities for students in the Fox Valley region.

As a general rule, students spend a minimum of two years in LYSO before moving to the Fox Valley Symphony's Philharmonia Orchestra.  This is particularly true for students whose schools teach strings in small group lesson formats rather than in full orchestral settings and for students in grades 5 or 6.

Students registered for Community Music School ensembles are also expected to participate in a curricular (during the school day, for credit) performing musical ensemble when available; LYSO should not substitute for curricular music programs.

Auditions and Registration

Details on the 2021-22 season are still in development. Please visit our COVID-19 Protocol page for the most current safety information for the 2021-22 academic year.

Additional 2021-22 season auditions will be held in the summer. There is no cost to audition. To receive audition information as it is determined, please click the button below and fill out our interest form. Click here to view the audition requirements. Returning LYSO students need not audition.

Interest Form

Returning students and auditionees who received an acceptance letter are invited to register for the 2021-22 season by clicking the button below.

Registration Form

Tuition assistance is available to families who demonstrate financial need.

 

Policies and Materials

Registration in a Community Music School program indicates your understanding and acceptance of our guidelines. In addition to the our guidelines, please click through the subjects below to read about LYSO-specific policies and required materials.

Google Classroom
Lawrence Community Music School youth ensembles utilize Google Classrooms to communicate with students and their families. Registered families will receive an email with an invite link and instructions on how to join and use their choir’s Google Classroom. Families who do not have a Google account can create a free account using an existing email. With parent/guardian permission, the invite link also may be used by the student if they wish to join the Classroom with their own Google account. (Please note that some school accounts block access to Classrooms outside their organization for the students’ safety.)

The LYSO staff will post resources, practice notes, and announcements in the Classroom. Families are responsible for checking their email and Classroom for up-to-date ensemble information.

Click here to view general Classroom instructions.
 
Electronics Policy
Cell phones, iPods, electronic readers, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited during ensemble rehearsals and backstage during concerts. If a family emergency takes place during a rehearsal or concert, please contact the ensemble manager.
 
Orchestra Materials
  • Students should bring their music folder and a pencil to all rehearsals.
  • All folders and music are the property of the Lawrence Community Music School and should be returned at the end of each semester or when the student leaves the ensemble.
  • Students new to the program will receive a tote bag that becomes theirs.
    • Additional or replacement bags can be purchased through the Community Music School at the cost of $8 plus tax.
  • Violinists, please have an extra E string in your case.
  • Cellists/bassists, please have a rock stop.
     
Concert Attire
  • Students should wear a white shirt (elbow-length or longer) with black or dark bottoms; no jeans, tennis shoes, or excessive jewlery.
  • If a student wishes to wear a skirt, the skirt should be knee-length or longer when seated and non-patterned.
  • Students may wear ties.
     

 

2021-22 Concert Schedule

Registered families will receive a complete calendar to download and print before the first rehearsal. Ticket sale dates will be announced in the fall. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office online, over the phone, or in-person.

Fall Semester
Spring Semester

Four photos: a closeup of a violinist smiling and playing, viola and violin players plucking their instruments during a concert, two bassists leaning on their instruments and smiling for the camera, two cellist playa during a concertThe Lawrence Youth String Orchestra logo: LYSO appears in bold with the "O" stylized to look like a violin. Beneath, smaller text reads "Lawrence Youth String Orchestra."