Delta Youth Orchestra

The Delta Youth Orchestra or DYO is a high-calibre orchestral training program for young musicians located in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. The DYO operates out of the Ladner Community Centre, 4734 - 51st Street, Delta, British Columbia. The DYO is a non-profit organization run by the Delta Symphony Society that provides an orchestral and chamber music training program for young musicians from ages 5 – 24 years. The Orchestra was founded in 1971 by Harry Gomez, Fred Preuss, Charles Glushka, Anita Sleeman,^[1] and Aileen Docherty.

Orchestral divisions

The orchestral program has several divisions:

• Capriccio Strings - This is an introductory ensemble designed for young players and their first experience in playing in a group. Members are required to read music and have basic technical skills before joining. Entrance into the ensemble is determined by a placement audition.

• Junior Strings - This is a junior ensemble with students in elementary school, RCM Grades III - VI

• Intermezzi Orchestra - Students in elementary school to junior high age. String orchestra repertoire with some full orchestra repertoire when the group combines with the wind ensemble

• Wind Ensemble - wind and brass players in senior elementary or high school. Min RCM Grade IV level required.

• Symphony Orchestra - full symphony orchestra up to age 24. Senior high school and university students make up the bulk of this group with a minimum requirement of RCM Grade IX for entry.

History

The Delta Youth Orchestra was founded in September 1971 by the Delta Symphony Society. Under the musical direction of Mr. Harry Gomez,^[2] a well-known music teacher and conductor of youth orchestras, the Delta Youth orchestra started in 1971 with 36 players in the orchestra. Mr. Gomez held the position until his death in 1983. Lloyd Blackman (musician) took over as music director in 1985 and held the position until June 1995. Wallace Leung was music director from 1995–2000, and the current Music Director is Mr. Stephen Robb (2001–present).

The DYO is a member of the Association of Canadian Orchestras (Orchestras Canada)^[3], and the Delta Arts Council.

References

1. ^ http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0004200
2. ^ http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0003763#SEC924990
3. ^ http://orchestrascanada.org/?page_id=823&preview=true&preview_id=823

External links

• Official site of the Delta Youth Orchestra
• Orchestra Canada

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