GROW
Composition Program
Work with established composer Rodney Sharman in a small-group setting to develop your composition and orchestration skills through the OSYO Composition Program.
The program meets regularly on Zoom and culminates in the spring Student Composition Reading Session, where students’ original works are workshopped and performed by the OSO.
Participants receive both group and one-on-one instruction. An additional fee of $150 applies.
The Composition Program is sponsored by Deux Mille Foundation.
Masterclasses
The OSO is proud to present a series of masterclasses each year led by featured guest artists. These sessions provide advanced students of music with the opportunity to perform for and learn from some of the best musicians in the world in an exclusive one-on-one setting. Students apply to participate and, if selected, pay a $25 fee.
All masterclasses are open to the public to observe; OSYO players are strongly encouraged to attend. Donations are welcome and suggested.
Imant Raminsh Scholarship
At the end of each program year, we honour one graduating OSYO student going on to study music at a post-secondary level with the Imant Raminsh Scholarship. Named for the founding director of the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan/Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra, Raminsh is a prolific composer and for almost 40 years was the principal second violin of the OSO. Announcement of the application process for the scholarship occurs in the spring.
In the Community
OSYO musicians may be invited to play as part of small ensembles for one of the four preschool Symphony Storytime concerts, act as volunteer mentors with the Middle School Band Clinic in February, perform in the lobby prior to an OSO concert as part of the “Musicians in the Making” performances, or participate in other opportunities that may arise.
Volunteering
Volunteering within the OSYO is not only crucial to the smooth functioning of the Youth Orchestra, but it can also provide players with valuable experience and skills in areas like rehearsal preparation, concert production, and marketing.