Please fill out our interest form to receive summer audition information for the 2022-23 season.
Lawrence Youth String Orchestra (LYSO) (Grades 5-8*, auditioned)
Staff:
Corrina Albright, teacher-conductor
Ann Hada, manager
Location:
Shattuck Hall 156, Lawrence Conservatory of Music / online via ZoomRehearsals: Sundays, 3:30–4:45 p.m.
2022-23 ScheduleSeptember 18–November 13
January 8–March 12
“My goal is to get better with violin, so I look to LYSO as extra practice! The ensemble teaching style really helps with things I am having trouble on, and the pieces of music are so fun I want to keep playing. I could not ask for better teachers!”
– Annabelle Mahnke, LYSO student
The Lawrence Youth String Orchestra (LYSO)—formerly the Academy String Orchestra (ASTRO)—provides dedicated string students a first opportunity to rehearse and perform engaging orchestral music within an ensemble of motivated peers. Students develop reading and ensemble skills that are complemented with individual practice at home. The orchestra rehearses weekly on Sunday afternoons at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music; two ten-week semesters each culminate with a performance on the stage of the Lawrence Memorial Chapel.
LYSO is the preparatory orchestra for the Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra program—LYSO and FVSYO directors and administrators work collaboratively to ensure that student musicians in the Fox Valley region receive opportunities in high quality orchestral training. Students generally spend two years in LYSO before moving on to play in the FVSYO Philharmonia Orchestra; this is particularly true for students who have begun their string studies in school small group lessons and for students in grades 5 and 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
We are excited to announce that we will be holding additional LYSO auditions this summer! Fill out our interest form to receive more information. Click here to view the audition requirements.
Returning students need not re-audition. Please fill out our online form to register for the 2022-23 season.
* LYSO auditions are open to string players in grades 5-8, although students who study with a private instructor and meet audition requirements are welcome to audition in grade 4.
Tuition assistance is available to families who demonstrate financial need.