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Ensembles
The main ensemble consists of approximately 60 advanced young musicians, and performs standard symphonic repertoire. The orchestra has one concert per semester, with occasionally a repeat performance in collaboration with other ensembles. RSYO rehearses on Sundays, 1:45-4:00pm for twelve weeks per semester. The RSYO experience includes sectionals coached by RSO musicians, masterclasses with guest soloists, performances of student concerto competition winners, side-by-side performances with RSYO alumni, and more.
A select group of the RSYO’s most advanced students, membership is available only to current Full Orchestra members, and only by special invitation of the conductor. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses from 4:15-5:15 each Sunday with RSYO conductor Daniel Black, and performs more challenging repertoire. The Chamber Orchestra performs some selections alongside the RSYO Full Orchestra on the Fall Concert, and also has a full separate performance during the Spring semester. Criteria for admission to this top ensemble include advanced musical skill as demonstrated at RSYO auditions; commitment and dedication to the RSYO; personal integrity and professionalism; and instrumentation needed for the Chamber Orchestra’s repertoire, which varies from program to program.
Think orchestra is just for strings? Think again! All brass players of the RSYO are automatically members of the Brass Choir, which rehearses separately from the full orchestra during the first hour of each rehearsal (1:45-2:45). Under the direction of Vicki Hastings, Rockford Christian High School band director, the Brass Choir performs at the RSO Holiday Pops concerts, at various venues in the community, and a concert performance during the Spring semester alongside the Chamber Orchestra.
Chamber Ensembles
Four exceptional string players are chosen each year to form the Honors String Quartet. The Quartet receives weekly coaching and performs as a representative of the RSYO at various venues throughout the Rockford area, including in the lobby of the Coronado Theater before RSO concerts. Members of the Quartet receive scholarships.
Based on auditions for the RSYO, five woodwind players will be selected to form a woodwind chamber ensemble. The Quintet will give promising young woodwind players the opportunity to enhance their ensemble skills through weekly coaching with players from the RSO. The Quintet will also have the opportunity to represent the RSYO through community performances, and to play in a chamber music recital with the String Quartet.
If enough percussionists are admitted into the RSYO, a percussion ensemble will be formed and perform on at least one RSYO concert. Percussionists are also often asked to perform with the brass choir, as needed.
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