Dear BYSO Members,

         On behalf of the BYSO Board of Directors, Mrs. Kovach, and myself, we hope that you and your families are doing well. It was unfortunate that our season ended so abruptly. This letter is meant to officially announce some cancellations of the year ending activities as well as to get you caught up on some other announcements having to do with this season as well as next season.

           Congratulations to the Senior Orchestra on two fine performances at Binghamton University in March. I know that the students and adults attending the concerts enjoyed your efforts. If the season had to end then, it ended on a high note. Thank you for your efforts.

            Unfortunately, we have had to cancel several of our end of the year activities. The proposed trip to New York City to see “West Side Story” at the end of May is cancelled. Broadway has been shut down until June 7. Our end of the year picnic at Highland Park is cancelled as well. Finally, we will not be holding auditions this June. The next auditions will be held in September. If you have friends who would like to audition, have them check the website later this summer for the audition date.

            In an attempt to make the end of the year a little more like normal, we would like to follow some traditions which are normally done at the last concert of the year. The Prep Orchestra traditionally presents several awards to students who have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of the orchestra. This year, we would like to announce that the winner of the Colton award is Julie Katchuck. Julie LaMantia has been named the recipient of the Heath award. Both awards are based on excellent musicianship, excellent attendance, and service to the orchestra. Congratulations to both deserving girls.

            The Senior Orchestra annually presents the Fairbanks award to an outstanding string musician. This year, the award goes to Meghan Mihalko. The Shifrin award is presented to an outstanding wind or percussion performer. Matthew Mihalko will receive this award. Congratulations to all of the award winners and thank you for your efforts. Shortly, you will be getting your award materials in the mail.

            This is also the time of year when we spotlight the seniors in the orchestra. Some of you have been in the orchestra for many years. Others have only been in since January. In any event, the orchestra is better for you having been a part of the ensemble. Thank you for your dedication to BYSO. The orchestra will miss your musicianship and personality. We trust that you will have success in the coming years. Please come back and visit us whenever possible. Also, I would like to thank the officers of the Senior Orchestra for your help in making the orchestra successful.

            We did not collect music. The music used by the Prep Orchestra is all photocopied and does not have to be returned. The music used by the Senior Orchestra is another matter. This music is expensive and owned by BYSO. Without getting all the music back, we are left with an unusable arrangement. With that in mind, we are asking that all of the Senior Orchestra members return all of the music including photocopies. Please mail the music back prior to May 20 to me at 235 Ridgefield Road, Endicott, NY 13760. When you return the music, please make sure you have a return name and address on the envelope so I know who is returning the music. The black folder is for you to keep.

            If you are not a senior, you can download a registration form for the upcoming season from the BYSO website. I sincerely hope that you all will return for next season, our 60th year. You are a valuable part of the orchestra and are important for the success of the program. I have no information regarding the fall season, starting date, concerts, etc. due to the present unsettled situation. However, as soon as we have more information, we will put it on the website.

            Again, thanks to all of you for your participation this season. Your work, musicianship, and dedication to BYSO  is appreciated. Mrs. Kovach and I have truly enjoyed working with you this past season. It was both a rewarding experience both musically and socially. Please stay safe and we hope to see all of you soon.

                                                                                                                                                                                                       Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Barry Peters
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Elizabeth Kovach
                                                                                                                                                                                                       BYSO Board of Directors                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

we PLAY THE MUSIC YOU LOVE

2020 - 20221 our 60th season 

Binghamton Youth Symphony

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WHAT IT TAKES TO PLAY IN BYSO:

​An appreciation for music and basic classical education are key ingredients to musical success.  At Binghamton Youth Symphony, we promise to give you a learning experience that will develop your musical talents more than you have ever dreamed.