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Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestras Team Up With Music Works Northwest to Train Percussionists.
Two of the oldest music education organizations on the eastside have begun what should be a very compelling partnership. The Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) and Music Works Northwest (MWNW) are teaming up to create a percussion ensemble program to train young percussionists. The program will be coordinated through the BYSO orchestra programs, with rehearsals to be held at Music Works. Students who participate will perform on traditional percussion instruments, mallet keyboards, and hand drums under the direction of Scott Ketron, Artistic Director at Music Works.
Ruth Brewster, Executive Director of the BYSO had the idea to create a program that would attract more percussionists into the orchestras and build well rounded percussionists who will be able to play the more than 25 different percussion instruments that are often called for in orchestral music. In addition to the orchestral training, students will form a percussion ensemble where they will explore literature that incorporates not only fundamental classical techniques and styles, but music and instruments from around the world. The percussionists will become better readers and better musicians as a result.
"This is a healthy model where two musical organizations are using their strengths to create a stronger program than they could provide by themselves. The students really win in this case." says Ketron who is clearly excited about this relationship. The Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra has been running ensembles since 1964 and Music Works charter dates back to 1966. Music Works has a large base of private students who eventually need ensemble experience. There are well established percussion studios as well as great percussion equipment to rehearse and perform on.
For information about the new program or to contribute to support this exciting new program, please visit www.byso.org. You will also find information posted at www.musicworksnw.org. Both organizations are 501 (3) (c) nonprofit organizations. All donations are tax deductible.
Music Works Northwest Students and Community Volunteers
Provide Entertainment for the Elderly
Yumi Iwasaki, an energetic and devoted voice student at Music Works Northwest, has a passion for the elderly and teaching our children to respect them. Born and raised in Japan, she grew up learning to value the elderly and their wisdom. In Japan, senior citizens are held in high esteem and are regarded with reverence. An outward appreciation of her passion has taken form in a number of performances that take place in local area retirement homes and senior nursing facilities which she has organized with other students at Music Works Northwest and community members.
Most of the students who have participated are students at Music Works Northwest. The latest series of performers are voice students of Susan Strick. Knowing how much they have brightened the day for their audiences has created a wonderful feeling of community among the singers. Music Works is so grateful to all the performers for what they are adding to our community.
The next performances will be held on Saturday April 5 at Providence Marianwood in Issaquah and on Sunday April 27 at Brighton Gardens in Bellevue. Both performances start at 3:00 p.m.
First Friday Concerts
Held on the first Friday of each month, the First Friday Concerts are a community service of Music Works as the major center for both Music Education and for compelling, unique, intimate musical performances by Music Works faculty on the eastside.
The music is fit for kings but it is performed in an atmosphere that is family friendly with snacks and refreshments after each concert that enables audience members to mingle with the artists. Concerts and recitals are an integral part of musical learning. This year Music Works received a grant from 4Culture to help fund these concerts. As with other programming this only covers a portion of the cost. We encourage audience members to donate at the door.
These concerts are scheduled for the first Friday of each month from September to June:
October 5, November 2, December 7, February 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6.
All concerts start at 7:30 pm.
Sponsor a student in need!
It is not too late to support Music Works programming in 2008. We need donations year round and are particularly interested in off setting costs for students who can’t afford lessons and programs. There is a waiting list of students who need tuition assistance and we don’t have funds for them.
If you would like to sponsor a student’s lessons you may call for more details or send a check to Music Works Northwest with Mickey Oyama Tuition Assistance Fund written on the memo line and your donation will go directly to this important program. Thank you for your continued interest and support!
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