A socially distant rehearsal for Prelude Strings; the youngest ensemble of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony.

The Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony has received several local grants in order to assist in covering operating costs.

Grants include:

¯ H. James Abdella Fund for the Arts and Emil M. & Gertrude E. Johnson Fund granted by the Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation,

¯ Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation Director’s Award, and

¯ The Lenna Foundation

All of the grants are to be used toward the honorarium for Bryan Eckenrode, the symphony’s music director and conductor. Highly acclaimed as both a cellist and a conductor, Eckenrode has led the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony orchestras since 2003

These awards come in a time of high need as the global pandemic bears extra strain on the organization’s budget. Rehearsals have just started in January for the two orchestras in session this semester; Chamber Orchestra and Prelude Strings.

Both groups rehearse at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lakewood. Extra safety precautions are being observed during all rehearsals including frequent disinfecting, social distancing, and wearing masks.

Membership in the organization is open to all students in Chautauqua County and surrounding areas who play an orchestral string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. However, this year, no woodwind, brass, or percussion students have been able to participate because of COVID restrictions. There is no audition required to participate.

CRYS students pay tuition, but financial assistance is offered to the students. The funding received by the above mentioned grants allows other funds to further go toward financial assistance. It is our goal that no student be turned away from a meaningful musical experience because of financial burden. While parents, board members and students all participate in fundraising, support by individuals, local organizations and businesses is essential.

Tax-deductible contributions to the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony can be mailed to P.O. Box 3454, Jamestown, NY 14702 or made through the Donors page at CRYouthSymphony.com.

The Chamber Orchestra performed a virtual concert in November and the season will conclude with the Annual Spring Gala on May 22. The location of the Spring Gala has yet to be determined. The concert will also be livestreamed. A video of the fall concert can be viewed on our website; cryouthsymphony.com.

To learn more about CRYS and its programs for young musicians, email ChautauquaRYS@gmail.com or visit CRYouthSymphony.com or the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony’s Facebook page.