What does the season look like?

With our community’s safety in mind, Virtual OYO is our answer to navigating this time of uncertainty with confidence. It is our plan to jump right back into socially distanced, in-person rehearsals as soon as it is safe for students, staff, volunteers, and our hosting facilities. We anxiously await the opportunity to see you all in person, but for now, we look forward to seeing you virtually!

These are unprecedented times, challenging Oakland Youth Orchestras to be the best version of its virtual self. We are fortunate to have a dedicated, creative, and visionary staff that has worked thoughtfully to create relevant programming for your student. We miss everyone and look forward to the day when we can safely begin to work in-person to create music, but for now, we are so happy to bring you Virtual OYO! For additional information please visit Join OYO.

Virtual OYO Ensembles and Rehearsal Schedule

How do we plan to do this?

The 2020-2021 season is divided into – Fall, Winter 1 and 2, and Spring rehearsal cycles and concerts. There will be a two week break between cycles so that recordings can be compiled (while we are virtual), virtual concerts premiered, and new music distributed. During these weeks our conductors and coaches will offer some of the additional experiences listed below.

Virtual OYO – Rehearsals

OYO students meet virtually on Thursdays within the ensembles listed below. Students have access to the virtual rehearsals via Zoom, and weekly information is distributed using Google Classroom, Remind, and email. Students meet weekly for rehearsal and sectionals with the OYO OYO Team, culminating in Virtual Ensembles video recordings and concert. We are very excited to bring you this opportunity!

Ensembles 

  • Studio String Orchestra
  • String Orchestra
  • Philharmonia String Orchestra
  • Symphony String Orchestra
  • Philharmonia Woodwind Ensemble
  • Symphony Woodwind Ensemble
  • Philharmonia/Symphony Combined Brass Ensemble

Each ensemble meets once per week on Thursday evenings for 90 minutes via Zoom.

  • Symphony, Philharmonia String, and Studio String Ensembles will meet generally between 6:00-9:00pm. Rehearsal schedules will be vary slightly between ensembles.
  • New this year for accepted wind players: Symphony Woodwind Ensemble and Philharmonia Woodwind Ensembles will meet generally between 6:00-9:00pm. Rehearsal schedules will be vary slightly between ensembles.
  • New this year for all accepted brass players: Brass Ensemble will meet generally between 7:00-9:00pm. Rehearsal schedules will be vary slightly between ensembles.

Other Experiences That May Be Offered:

  • Instrument technique masterclass sessions with professional musicians
  • College auditions preparation and mock auditions
  • Music history
  • Music arranging
  • Intro to fiddling
  • Stretching for musicians
  • Community Outreach Recitals via Zoom
  • Music Theory – taught by Oakland University instructors – additional fee applies.
  • Chamber Ensembles – additional fee $150

Tuition & Tuition Aid

  • Tuition fees have been reduced for 2020-2021. The tuition fee for all students is $300. 
  • Tuition discount for returning students – If you were a member of OYO during last year’s shortened season, we are giving you an additional $50 tuition discount for this season. Your tuition will be $250. Tuition may be paid by arranging a payment plan if necessary. Contact our Asst. Treasurer at treasurer@oyomi.org to make arrangements.
  • Tuition Assistance: If tuition payment is a hardship, please email Joanne Walle, OYO Executive Director, at admin@oyomi.org to inquire and apply for tuition assistance.

Tuition Aid information

Concert Video Instructions

In preparation for our Fall 2020 Concert. Here are the instructions on how to record your piece: