Youth symphony begins new season

Vernon — The Skylands Youth Symphony recently hosted an open house at Glen Meadow School in Vernon. The symphony was organized in the spring of 1997 and is dedicated to providing a forum for young musicians to learn and perform a classical string orchestra repertoire in a supportive and musically competent environment. In addition to providing an outlet for artistic expression, education, rehearsal, appreciation and performance are the focus. A winter and spring concert are presented each season, plus other performances in the surrounding area. Throughout the season the symphony offers music theory classes, music workshops and symphony trips. The symphony is open to school-aged musicians in the Sussex County and Warwick Valley N.Y. areas. To be eligible to join, one must have studied music for at least two years on a stringed instrument and must be able to read music. An audition is required for all incoming musicians. Skylands Youth Symphony is under the direction of Keely Gould. This year marks her eighth season leading the symphony. She is a graduate of the College of St. Rose and has earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. Gould has performed with the Orange County Music Educators Orchestra, The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra and numerous freelance projects. She is also a private violin instructor and a music educator in Warwick, N.Y. She is a recent recipient of the distinguished music teacher award from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. The symphony holds rehearsals at Glen Meadow Middle School on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. from September to May each season. For more information call 973-875-7478.