Discover the joy of orchestra!
A dream of music teacher Jean Hinkle was realized in 1997 when the Douglas County Youth Orchestra (DCYO) was formed with 5 string students taught by Diane Penny. By the year 2000 the classes had grown to 40 students.
Currently, DCYO enrolls between 60 and 70 students who are immersed in a well-rounded music education experience. Students learn note-reading, hone their technique, refine their listening strategies and develop their performance experience through a diverse repertoire from Mozart to Star Wars.
Students are accepted in the program beginning at 6 years of age, many of whom have never even seen a violin, viola, cello or bass. Having received requests in the past from adults wishing to play with the orchestra, the program has recently begun welcoming adults who wish to either learn to play an instrument or to join and perform with the orchestra in a nurturing environment.
Under special circumstances USA offers scholarships to students and families who wish to join the orchestra. These scholarships provide music education that would not otherwise be possible in this day and time.
DCYO is financially supported through the fundraising efforts of the Umpqua Symphony Association (USA). Astoundingly generous private donors, grants and foundations such as the Oregon Community Foundation, the Oregon Arts Commission and the Ford Family Foundation make the program possible.
The opportunities DCYO offers are unique to Douglas County. USA has developed and nurtured a relationship with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra (ESO) for many years which has resulted in highly qualified ESO musicians visiting Roseburg during the year to teach and inspire DCYO students. They provide “sectionals”, teaching violin, cello, viola and bass students separately. Classes run from September through May.
The close relationship between USA and ESO has resulted in the Eugene Symphony bringing their Summer Pops Concert to the Music on the Half Shell series for the past several years. DCYO students open the performance which is an incredible, often once in a lifetime, opportunity for the students.
DCYO teachers Dr. Mark Rockwood, Dr. Kathryn Brunhaver and Gerri Duclos are highly qualified, talented musicians in their own right who offer private lessons as well. Jenna Nelson, recently retired to add to her family, also participates in DCYO activities and teaches privately.
Rehearsals are held each Tuesday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. from September through May. The students perform a Winter and Spring concert each year to showcase student talent and progress.
For information contact Kathi Halloran (541) 672-7511 or email bkt3@charter.net