Submitted Photo The Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony (CRYS) board comes together to prepare the annual fund donation mailing. Letters were sent to previous and prospective contributors asking for their support of the 2019-2020 season. Among those involved in the effort of putting the mailing together were (from left going clockwise) Nina Karbacka, Marie Karbacka, Amy Livingston, Ruth Marsh, Emily Paterniti, Michelle Battaglia, and Jonna Lampard.

JAMESTOWN — At their October meeting, Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony (CRYS) board members launched their annual fund drive for 2019-2020, the organization’s 33rd season.

The board is continuously working hard to provide additional meaningful experiences for the students enrolled in CRYS. Recently, a new string coach, Emani Barber, was hired to assist in the instruction of the string students. Barber originates from Charlotte, North Carolina and holds a degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and is currently pursuing graduate work at Fredonia’s School of Music.

The Chamber Symphony Orchestra, the advanced ensemble of the organization, is currently working hard to prepare their fall concert. They will perform on Nov. 24, at 7p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lakewood. The concert will be directed by acclaimed conductor and performer Bryan Eckenrode and will be free to the public.

Eckenrode leads and conducts all three CRYS orchestras, Prelude Strings, Young Artist Orchestra (YAO) as well as the Chamber Symphony Orchestra.

Registrations are now being accepted for all three groups for the spring concert cycle. Rehearsals for the spring start in January with a spring concert to be held in Chautauqua Institution in May.

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. There is no audition required to participate. Interested students are encouraged to register directly on the CRYS website.

CRYS students pay tuition, but significant financial assistance is offered to the students. CRYS receives essential funding from foundations and other organizations in the community. While parents, board members and students all participate in fund-raising, support by individuals and local organizations and businesses is essential.

The Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony shows appreciation for its contributors by recognition on its website and in printed concert programs. Donors can also receive preferential reserved seating at the Spring Gala Concert that will be Sunday, May 31, 2020, at Chautauqua Institution’s Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall.

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.

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.