Submitted Photo Jan. 11 is the deadline for music students to submit their applications for membership in one of Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony’s three orchestras. Pictured is Music Director and Conductor Bryan Eckenrode leading the CRYS Chamber Orchestra in their November Fall Chamber Concert at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lakewood.

JAMESTOWN — Only a few days remain for talented and motivated music students to apply for participation in one of three Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony orchestras for the spring term.

Friday, January 11, 2019, is the deadline to sign up for this opportunity that will certainly enhance music skills and could even change a student’s life. (A current CRYS board member met her husband when they were both CRYS students, so you never know.)

Prelude Strings rehearsals start Friday, Jan. 18, 4-5 p.m. for beginning string players (NYSSMA level I).

Young Artists Orchestra rehearsals begin Saturday, Jan. 19, 9-10:30 a.m., for intermediate (levels II and III) string, woodwinds, brass, and percussion students.

Advanced string, woodwinds, brass, and percussion students (levels IV, V and VI) in Chamber Orchestra start rehearsing on Saturday, January 19, 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

All rehearsals are at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 35 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood.

The season will conclude with the Spring Gala Concert, Sunday, May 19, at Chautauqua Institution’s Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall, widely regarded as the premier performance venue in the region.

CRYS has significantly expanded its instruction this year. Students will be directed by acclaimed Music Director and Conductor Bryan Eckenrode and coached regularly by staff teachers and periodically by outside professional educators.

Southwestern Central Schools Director of Orchestras for grades 5-12 Marie Karbacka and Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Instructor Cody Hiller are now staff Prelude Coach and String Coach, respectively.

Additional coaching will be offered by SUNY Fredonia School of Music faculty Marc Guy in brass; Sarah Hamilton, woodwinds; Kieran Hanlon, lower strings; and Kay Stonefelt, percussion. Erie Junior Philharmonic Overture and Chamber Strings Instructor Jennifer Jansen will coach upper strings. These professional musicians all have both extensive performance and teaching backgrounds.

CRYS students pay tuition, and tuition assistance is available. Interested students can apply at CRYouthSymphony.com. Fall 2018 Chamber Orchestra members need not reapply.

To learn more about CRYS and its programs for young musicians, visit the website at CRYouthSymphony.com or the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony’s Facebook page. For more information, call (716) 640-1391 or email chautauquarys@gmail.com.