OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

Talented, passionate young musicians are invited to audition for participation in the 2005-2006 season of the Sacramento Youth Symphony & Academy of Music.

Applications for auditions, which will be held June 3-5, can be accessed from their Web site at www.sacys.org or obtained by phoning the SYS office at (916) 731-5777.

The audition fee is $35 and applications must be received in the SYS office by April 29, 2005.

More than 250 musicians from over 40 communities in the Greater Sacramento area will be selected for the beginning level Junior Orchestra, the intermediate Academic Orchestra and the advanced Premier Orchestra by blind (screened) auditions.

Members must re-audition every season. All young musicians, ages 8- 12, are encouraged to apply, and the SYS has particular needs for youth that play string bass, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion and harp.

Musicians in the Premier Orchestra will be invited to participate.

The 2005-2006 season earmarks the Sacramento Youth Symphony’s 50th year of providing high quality orchestral programs for youth. Under the Artistic Direction of Maestro Michael Neumann, the orchestras perform concerts as part of the traditional concert series as well as outreach concerts in the community, particularly to schools lacking music programs. In addition, members receive sectionals coaching from professional musicians throughout the season, enhancing their skills even further.