November 20th YCS Newsletter


Fantastic concert on Sunday, YCS!


And... thank you for your patience during the audio issues at the concert! Fortunately, the recording we made of the concert didn't pick that up! View the concert recording here!


YCS is now on break! Rehearsals resume January 11th. We won't send out emails every Thursday through break, but will send one out if we have something to share!


You will find in this email:

  • Mid-Season Auditions - INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN OAYO!
  • FREE Omaha Symphony Masterworks Ticket Code
  • Next Semester's Calendar
  • OAYO Dashboard

Mid-Season Auditions - Invite your friends to join OAYO!


Know someone who would be a good fit to join OAYO?


Pass along this link to them! https://conta.cc/4hxQyA8

We'd love some more students in OAYO! Word-of-mouth is the best way folks hear about us. We appreciate the help in getting the word out about mid-season auditions! Feel free to share with your school, All-State ensemble musicians, private lesson studios, or with anyone that may be interested in joining us. Mid-Season Auditions are open through December 28th!


Auditions are open for:


Youth Concert Strings (YCS)

Rehearse Sundays from January to March, 4:15 - 6 P.M with conductor Rose Rydberg.

  • An intermediate level, string orchestra.
  • Typically includes students in grades 4-8.

Auditions are open for Cello and Bass only



Youth Philharmonic (YP)

Rehearse Sundays from January to March, 4 - 6 P.M with conductor Debbie Martinez.

  • Musicians typically in grades 7-12 who demonstrate an expanded set of abilities specific to their instrument.

Auditions are open for:

  • Bassoon
  • French Horn
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion
  • Viola
  • Bass



Youth Symphony (YS)

Rehearse Sundays from January to May, 1:30 - 3:30 P.M with conductor Dr. Matthew Brooks

  • Typically students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate the full range of abilities specific to their instrument.

Auditions are open for:

  • French Horn
  • Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion
  • Violin

Omaha Symphony Free Masterworks Tickets


A reminder that the Omaha Symphony has a generous offer to all OAYO families and students: two free tickets to EACH Omaha Symphony Masterworks concert!


To view the concert schedule, free ticket code, and instructions, view the flier below.


Want more than two tickets? We would also like to remind you that the Omaha Symphony offers two $10 tickets for students AND teachers for all performances! Learn more on their website here!

Next Semester's Calendar


Remember to check the season calendar and request absences for any dates you have conflicts!


Some important dates to keep in mind this spring:


January 11, 2026: Rehearsals resume!

January 18, February 1, and February 22 are sectional dates


March 22: Spring Concert!

OAYO Dashboard

The Student/Family Dashboard has all important links you'll need. We encourage you to bookmark it!


Find these on the Dashboard:

  • Your ensemble's schedule for the next rehearsal (updated weekly)
  • Links to that week's email newsletter (updated every Thursday)
  • Season Calendar
  • Absence Request Form
  • Links to your Music Folder (Use password oayoYCS2526 to access the folder!)
  • OAYO Handbook