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What's New With The Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony? Quite A Lot

SVYS

Music Director Gene Power says he's received a positive response to his plan for a first ever Chamber Music Program. 

"We had about 27 kids who were interested in being in chamber ensembles," he said.  A coach was hired to work with the students after regular practices. 

Power says it's part of a larger effort to bring more visibility to the organization which provides music opportunities for kids at the elementary and secondary school levels. 

The ensembles could also perform at events where live music might be proper, like a holiday party.

"Somebody that contacts us and is looking for music, we can say we've got a string quartet that might be able to do that for you," Power said. 

He said there is also a benefit to the young person playing.  " To perform one person on a part in smaller group setting,  it really makes them become better musicians. More sensitive musicians. You don't have a conductor working with you.  You are the ones in charge of  kind of bringing the music together."

More concerts are planned as well for the symphony, from 2 to 3.  The first will be before Thanksgiving.  Power said it will allow an expansion of programming and reach a broader genre of music. 

The Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony and the Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra have a big annual fundraiser, a trivia night, Saturday Nov. 1 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.  The theme is "Sinners and Saints." Costumes are encouraged, but not required.  All proceeds go to support the organization. More details available here.

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