In September 2001, a new and exciting opportunity for young musicians from the Central Virginia region began. Sixty-seven students from eighteen different schools and home-schooled students auditioned on September 12, 13 and 15 for placement in the newly formed Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings Ensemble. Under the auspices of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, rehearsals for both groups began on October 2, 2001. Groups rehearse at Court Street United Methodist Church on Tuesdays. The Junior Strings rehearse from 4:00-5:15 and the Youth Orchestra from 5:30-7:00.During the second season the LSYO and Junior Strings grew in members to include ninety students from thirty-four schools. Auditions for the third season are scheduled for August 30, 2003.

ENSEMBLES

The Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of high school students and a few talented middle school students. All of these student musicians have had previous ensemble experience; participating in their school band or strings orchestra. Home-schooled musicians did not have this past experience; however, all the students found orchestral playing to be new and challenging.

The Junior Strings ensemble is designed for younger string students who need to further develop their musicianship skills in order to participate in the LSYO. Each member of the Junior Strings program must build note reading and rhythmic skills, learn how to play in an ensemble, and learn how to follow the conductor's beat patterns and various signals. This ensemble is comprised of elementary through middle school-aged children.

The Conductor/Music Director of the Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings is Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra conductor, Bruce Habitzruther. Managing the Youth Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the Junior Strings is concertmaster of the Lynchburg Symphony, Ellen Habitzruther.