About MVYO The Magic Valley Youth Orchestra is an association formed to provide experience in orchestral music performance for the youth of the Magic Valley and especially for those who have no other opportunities provided by the community. The Magic Valley Youth Orchestra also provides training for young people who wish to advance to community orchestras such as the Magic Valley Symphony. Rehearsals The MVYO holds weekly rehearsals at the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Building on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. during the months of September and October, January and February. Concerts are performed twice a year and are free to the public (although donations are gladly accepted).

(MV Youth Photos courtesy of Clark Draney Photography)

This scheduling is designed to avoid conflicts with school orchestra rehearsals and concerts. Sectional tutoring by volunteer coaches provides members with the opportunity for a richer musical experience.

The MVYO has the following objectives: To provide an environment in which young musicians are inspired to perform music at the highest possible standard. To foster self-discipline, commitment, cooperation, and community spirit through music. To provide the community with well-trained professional and amateur musicians and educated audiences. To enrich the cultural life of its members and the wider community through its activities. Tuition Orchestra members are charged dues of $20 per two month session to cover operational expenses.

Announcements 2010- 2011 Season   We are looking forward to working with you again for our 2010-2011 Magic Valley Youth Orchestra Season. Our concerts will be Sat Nov 6, 2010 and Sat Mar 5, 2011. Join MVYO We welcome all string, wind and brass musicians who have at least two years playing experience and meet our playing standards listed below. Come at 9:30am during our Sept 11th rehearsal to register. There is a $20 session fee due at that time. The fee covers the cost of music, director compensation, and administrative expenses. Parents are asked to stay for a brief meeting to review procedures and policies. We'll begin rehearsal at 10am. What is expected Attendance at rehearsals is most important so please check your schedules. If you are going to miss a scheduled rehearsal, please bring those dates with you to the first rehearsal so we can plan accordingly. Please do not plan to rehearse with us if you know you will not be here for the concert. Violinists Should be able to play from Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent. Should be able to shift from third position and read music well. Violists Must be inferiority complex free and have a sense of humor. If you can chew gum and read alto clef simultaneously, you're in. Cellists Should be able to play from Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent. Should be able to shift and read music well. Bass If you are strong enough to hold your instrument during the entire concert, you're in. Woodwind, Brass and Percussion We typically always need good wind and brass players. More brass players mean we can be louder. Check with us on specific needs so we don't accidentally put you with the violas. Rehearsals Rehearsals run each Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Building - see our schedule for more details. If you have any questions please contact Kathy Harris, 735-0223 or Linda Seaman, 948-9898 2011-2012 Rehearsal and Performance Schedule Fall Session: Date Event Time Location Sat Sept 10 Register, Read Through/Ensemble Auditions 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121/133 Sat Sept 17 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121/133 Sat Sept 24 Rehearsal/Sectionals 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 Sat Oct 1 Rehearsal/Sectionals 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 Sat Oct 8 No Rehearsal IEA Sat Oct 15 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 Sat Oct 22 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 Sat Oct 29 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 Sat Nov 5 Rehearsal Concert *12 noon 3:00 p.m. CSI Fine Arts 121/133 CSI Fine Arts Auditorium Winter Session: Date Event Time Location January 7 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 January 14 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 January 21 Rehearsal/Sectional 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 January 28 Rehearsal/Sectional 9:30 a.m. Canyon Ridge HS Band Room February 4 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 February 11 Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. CSI Fine Arts Aud/121 February 18 No Rehearsal - President's Day February 25  Rehearsal  9:30 a.m.  CSI Fine Arts Aud/121  March 3 Rehearsal Concert *12 noon 3:00 p.m. CSI Fine Arts 121/133 CSI Fine Arts Auditorium *Note change in rehearsal time.

Conductors

Diane Davis
Magic Valley Youth Orchestra Conductor

Diane Davis graduated from Westminster College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1975. She participated in the orchestra at the college and took four courses in conducting as well as classes in all of the instruments of the orchestra. After graduation she taught as a substitute teacher in public and private schools, usually in music.

After a seminar in Suzuki teaching techniques, she enrolled her son in Suzuki violin lessons with Linda Seaman. Diane then began teaching beginning violin to students at Liberty Christian Academy, eventually beginning two orchestras: elementary and advanced. Diane has directed the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra for several years now and considers it an honor to conduct such a talented and diverse group of student musicians.

Diane has a Master's degree in School Administration and is currently finishing her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Idaho State University. She is superintendent of Magic Valley Christian School and adjunct faculty in voice and piano at the College of Southern Idaho. She has four children, all of them interested in the arts.

Carson Wong
Advanced Chamber Ensemble Conductor

Conducting the Magic Valley Youth Advanced Chamber Ensemble, Carson also has directed the Magic Valley Chorale, Magic Valley Symphony, Boise Master Chorale, Magic Valley Chamber Orchestra, Burley Magic Philharmonic and the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra. Carson has also served as clinician and adjudicator for high school clinics and festivals.

Carson was born in Hong Kong. He received his M. A. degree from San Jose State College in Conducting and his B. A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in Economics. Taught choral music at Jerome High School (1966-1978); Caldwell High School (1978-1980); and has been teaching at College of Southern Idaho ever since.