GSO youth symphony planned

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville Symphony Orchestra (GSO) announces the birth of its newest program: the Gainesville Youth Symphony (GYSO).

As part of its Sustainable Symphony Project, the GSO will partner with Hall County Schools to provide a home for the young symphony as the first auditions are held Saturday from 11:00-2:00 at McEver Arts Academy.

The Gainesville Youth Symphony Orchestra will be under the music direction of Michael Giel, who is currently the Orchestra Director for Collins Hill High School in Gwinnett County and violist for the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra. Giel also serves as the Orchestra Director of the Governors Honors Music Program held in the summer at Valdosta State University.

Auditions are open to all students in band or orchestra actively pursuing music studies in grades 6 - 12.

GSO officials say for the first time, students will come together to learn and perform as an ensemble and represent all parts of greater Gainesville and northeast Georgia.

Rehearsals will be held weekly and begin in early February. The GYSO will hold its first concert alongside the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra in April.

Auditions will be held again in mid-August. For more details or to register, go to www.gsomusic.com or call 770-532-5727.