Gala Green

LYSO just celebrated its 20th anniversary, Gala Green, program director of LYSO, said.
...
"LYSO gives kids the opportunity to receive additional instruction, musical training and a different venue to perform," Green said.

Gala GreenLYSO Program Director

According to Gala Green, Lubbock Youth Symphony Orchestra program director, Don Caldwell coordinates with Broadway Festivals to plan the theme.Then, the music is selected by the LYSO.

The production is guided by three conductors - one on the stage, one near the stage and a third at the fireworks site.
...
One conductor will direct the orchestra, Green said.
...
Green said two additional conductors will be on hand to cue the chimes/bells performer and another to cue the cannons that are located near the stage to enhance the sound effects.

Green has been a part of the orchestra staff for the past seven years.She said that the LYSO varies year-to-year with the current season comprised of advanced orchestra members.

Gala GreenLYSO Program Directorggreen@lubbocksymphony.org

For more information about the program, contact Program Director Gala Green at 806-762-0460 or by e-mail at ggreen@lubbocksymphony.org

"These students have an opportunity to play music they would not normally play in a school setting," said Program Director Gala Green."It's challenging.The top group plays the same music professional musicians play.It's not watered down."

Green was in the Big Spring area last week, promoting the program by visiting with several area school district music classes.
...
"We represent about 37 schools plus home school students," Green said.

The Lubbock Symphony Youth Orchestra consists of three groups -- the string orchestra, a beginning group; the concert orchestra, for intermediate students; and the symphony orchestra, for advanced musicians.

Participating musicians range from 6 years of age through high school seniors and are placed in a group based on their level of skill, not their age, Green stressed.

"We try to have strong players in every section because we need those strong players to help with those younger players," Green said.
...
Although the membership fee may seem daunting for some, Green said scholarships are available to help with costs.

Once selected, the students are expected to stay committed to the project, including particpating in most of the season's weekly rehearsals and various performances.

"They are allowed a couple of excused absences for rehearsals, but they have to be willing to be there," Green said.
...
"We've had several former students that when going up for a scholarship against another person were chosen because they have been in a youth orchestra," Green said."Most people know that students learn dedication and responsibility while particpating in a youth orchestra, and so they are more than likely to be more committed."

Activities during the season include attending a retreat on Labor Day weekend at Ceta Canyon, a possible performance with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and the Broadway on the 4th of July concert.

"That's one of our big highlights of the year," Green said."They perform in front of a crowd of 75,000 or more.I receive numerous letters from people who happen to come in town and they're amazed to hear that it's youth that are playing."

Green added that in years past several of LYSO students have also been chosen to participate in the National Festival Orchestra.

"They choose 70 nationwide to be in this particular orchestra to perform in January at Carnegie Hall," she said.
...
"To get into the program, we have annual auditions each spring," Green said."Every child, whether they are already in the orchestra or not, has to audition for the group."

For more information about the program, contact Green at 806-762-0460 or by e-mail at ggreen@lubbocksymphony.org.