News
February 1, 2016A Musical Extravaganza – Empire State Youth Orchestras’ 2016 Playathon
On Saturday, February 6, 2016, Empire State Youth Orchestras (ESYO) will hold its annual Playathon at Crossgates Mall (near the Burlington Coat Factory store). Playathon is ESYO’s annual fundraiser and friend-raiser, featuring free live music by ESYO musicians from 11:15 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
An ESYO “sampler”: Almost 400 Musicians = 11 Ensembles for hours of live music
ESYO’s 400 musicians will perform in their respective ensembles at various times throughout the day, providing an opportunity for mall shoppers to see our musicians and hear the depth and breadth of music that ESYO plays – classical, band, jazz and contemporary percussion. In addition, students in ESYO’s CHIME will perform. CHIME provides free private music lessons to middle-school students in Albany and Schenectady as well as a 5-day a week, ensemble-based music education program for elementary school children at Yates Arts In Education Magnet School in Schenectady. Shoppers will also be entertained by small groups of ESYO musicians who will perform in other locations in the mall during the day.
Crazy Conductor Will Auction His Baton to Lead the Orchestra
During Playathon, our Crazy Conductor will run six auctions during which the audience can bid on “conducting rights” to win the baton and lead one of ESYO’s ensembles performing familiar music such as Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever and Semper Fidelis.
Musical Petting Zoo
Just a few storefronts away from the “main stage” there will be a “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo,” courtesy of John Keal Music Co. Aspiring young (and young-at-heart) musicians are invited to try out various instruments at the zoo.
Learn about ESYO – Hearing is believing
“Playathon is a wonderful opportunity for the community to really see – and hear – what ESYO is all about,” commented Rebecca Calos, ESYO’s Executive Director. “From jazz to classical, there is music for all to enjoy. Families with children can learn about ESYO and how its program is an enriching musical experience that supplements their children’s individual school music programs.” Staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout Playathon to answer questions about upcoming concerts, June auditions, and ESYO in general.
2016 Playathon Schedule on Feb. 6, 2016
- 11:15 am – 12:15 pm – Percussion Ensembles
- 12:25 – 12:50 pm- CHIME Ensembles
- 1:00 – 1:30 pm – Wind Orchestra **
- 1:40 – 2:10 pm – String Ensemble
- 2:20 – 2:55 pm – Youth Orchestra**
- 3:00 – 3:30 pm – Repertory Orchestra**
- 3:35 – 4:05 pm – Youth Orchestra**
- 4:25 – 4:40 pm – Repertory Jazz Ensemble
- 4:45 – 5:05 pm – Youth Jazz Ensemble
- 5:20 – 5:50 pm – Repertory Orchestra**
- 5:55 – 6:30 pm – Youth Orchestra**
** Auction to win the baton and lead the ensemble!
About Empire State Youth Orchestras: Winner of three prestigious national awards from ASCAP, ESYO is an umbrella organization comprised of two full symphonic orchestras, a wind orchestra, a string ensemble, three percussion ensembles, two jazz ensembles, and CHIME, an inner-city music training program. Started in 1979 with a single orchestra of 81 young musicians, ESYO now counts almost 400 students from eastern New York and western New England in its membership. A not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, ESYO provides high-quality music education and performance opportunities to young musicians and helps them develop leadership qualities while also teaching them the importance of making a positive contribution to society. ESYO is well known for its Youth Orchestra’s participation in CBS 6’s Melodies of Christmas (benefit concerts that support the pediatric oncology program at Albany Medical Center). ESYO ensembles give approximately 30 public performances a year, including a free concert for seniors and concerts for school children. ESYO was recently named Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council’s Nonprofit Organization of the Year (for organizations of fewer than 75 employees) in recognition of ESYO’s positive contributions to the vitality of the region. For more information about ESYO, please call the ESYO office at (518) 382-7581 or visit www.esyo.org.
