Symphony

Grant Donnellan, the conductor of the North Sound Youth Symphony for the past six seasons, is professor of violin and string pedagogy at Western Washington University. An active performer in solo, orchestral and chamber music, Grant is a member of the Bellingham Festival Orchestra, which performs at the Bellingham Festival of Music, and is concertmaster of the Whatcom Symphony. In addition, he has performed in European Tours and on recordings as a member of the American Sinfonietta. As a conductor, he has directed the Whatcom Symphony, the WWU Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, the Ferndale Summer Pops Orchestra and numerous State Honor Orchestras. Grant brings to the Symphony a wealth of orchestral experience, a quest for excellence, a passion for teaching and love of music.

Why Play In A Youth Symphony?

Playing in a full orchestral setting is a special opportunity for young musicians: the repertoire and the sheer sound of the symphony orchestra creates an unparalleled musical experience. In this ensemble, students learn to be a vital part of a musical team and experience how each instrument and each player is crucial in creating an excellent musical performance. The opportunity to play this great repertoire allows each student to perform to their full potential, therefore building enthusiasm for music and for their chosen instrument. The Symphony is a place for advanced students to find challenge and community in performing classics of the full orchestral repertoire as well as new works by contemporary composers. Each year, select members are featured in solo performance with the Symphony and are encouraged to audition for this special opportunity.

Audition Requirements to be a member of the Symphony

Members of the Symphony are required to have a minimum of 3 years of private instruction or commensurate school ensemble participation. String players must perform a three octave A major and minor scale along with a piece of their choice. Wind and Brass players must be able to play two octave chromatic scales in concert C and F, plus a piece of their choice. Percussion requirements include being able to read music in standard notation and knowing how to play snare drum and bass drum. Piano skills are an asset. New members wishing to join the North Sound Youth Symphony are invited to come and play in the first rehearsal of each term to see if NSYS is the right place for them. If they wish to become a NSYS member, the conductors will listen to them audition and seat them accordingly. Students may challenge a seating position by audition. Students wishing to move up from Philharmonia to Symphony must play an audition for a panel of conductors and coaches to demonstrate that they are at the appropriate playing level. Seating within the sections is determined by the conductor.

See "Rehearsals" page for current audition schedule.

New Wind Coach joins NSYS, Fall 2009

Clarinetist Kim Fay received her musical training in clarinet performance
and music education at Western Washington University, and the Eastman School of Music. Her teaching experience includes middle school band and orchestra positions in the Edmonds and Lake Washington School Districts, coaching woodwinds for the Seattle and Cascade Youth Symphonies, and maintaining a private clarinet studio for 20 years. Kim currently performs with the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra on Whidbey Island, and the Whatcom Symphony and Zephyr Winds in Bellingham.