Submitted Photo At their November meeting, Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony board members sent letters to previous contributors, asking for their support of the 2016-2017 season. Among those participating in the effort were (seated from left) Tammy Lachner, CRYS manager, and board members Lana Huston, Nancy Larson, Michelle Battaglia, (standing from left) Kathy Geary, Tim Pryzbelinski, Katie Derrenbacher and Sara Kennison.

JAMESTOWN — “As we begin our 30th season, we are excited about some changes we have made and the opportunities we continue to offer serious music students in our region,” Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony board president Katie Derrenbacher said. “It is the support of so many in the community that makes these opportunities possible!”

At their November meeting, CRYS board members launched their annual fund drive for the 2016-2017 season.

Derrenbacher continued, “In keeping with the changing times — like the closing of the Suzuki Strings program in the Jamestown Public Schools and the demands made on student musicians — CRYS has made some changes as well. Serious music students can find a spot in one of our three orchestras, each with a slightly new focus, all continuing under the professional leadership of Maestro Bryan Eckenrode.”

Prelude Strings remains the orchestra for beginning string players, now primarily middle schoolers. Young Artists Orchestra (YAO) will be a full orchestra for mid-level and above players, primarily upper middle and high school students. The most advanced orchestra, formerly the Youth Symphony, is now the String Chamber Orchestra, exclusively for string players in high school and college. Students who study another instrument as well as a string can play in both YAO and the String Chamber Orchestra.

Orchestra students are selected by teacher recommendation. In order to determine correct ensemble and seating placement, auditions are planned for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8. Audition application forms need to be completed by Dec. 16.

Weekly rehearsals for Prelude Strings begin on Friday, Jan. 13, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Christ First United Methodist Church on Lakeview Avenue in Jamestown. YAO and the String Chamber Orchestra begin rehearsals at the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts in downtown Jamestown on Saturday, Jan. 14. YAO will rehearse 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Chamber Orchestra, 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.