Education Programs

These programs are designed to engage our community at all ages, from our most tender children through experienced adulthood; we seek to share the wonders of the art of music with our citizens. Our Music Director, Elizabeth Stoyanovich, and the Education Committee have handcrafted these programs to serve the needs of people in our area.

Our mission statement:
To enrich the West Sound with excellent classical music through performance and education.

2. Family Concerts
Two family concerts and a "Conductor's Choice" concert are part of the 2007-08 season. These 2:00 matinee concerts on Sunday, October 21, 2007 and Saturday, February 2, 2008, and a 7:30 pm concert on Saturday, April 19, 2008 are designed to be interactive, thought provoking and immediately accessible. Examples of the pre-concert activities in the lobby for the afternoon concerts include a musical instrument petting zoo, musical story telling and more. The Conductor's Choice concert on April 19 is an extension of our Family Concert series but with an extra entertainment factor for a "light classical" audience of youth and adults alike.

4. Class Act
This program offers the opportunity for classes to have in-school concerts presented by small ensembles of the BSO. The ensembles available are a string quartet (two violins, viola and cello), a woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn) and a brass quintet (two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba). These 45 minute concerts help students listen to live acoustic instruments played in close proximity. Remarks from the players will also support preparation for the Youth Concert.

5. Open Rehearsals:
All of the BSO rehearsals are open and the public is welcome. For students who are especially interested in conducting, contact the office to make arrangments to borrow scores to follow during the rehearsal. Music Appreciation classes are especially welcome as is any one who would like to see the inner workings of the orchestra as it prepares for concerts. Contact our office for a schedule.

6. Music Camp Scholarships
Bremerton Symphony League Music Camp Scholarships in the amount of $300 will be award in May to two young musicians who attend an orchestral or vocal music camp during the summer of 2008. Deadline to apply is April 7, 2008. Eligibility Guidelines:

• Student must be an orchestral instrumentalist or vocalist
• Student must reside in the West Sound regions (Narrows Bridge north to the top of the Kitsap Peninsula, east to the Winslow ferry dock, southwest to Shelton)
• Student must not yet have completed the eleventh grade
• Student must complete application form
• Student, if awarded a scholarship, must attend an orchestral or vocal music summer camp in 2008. Funds can only be used for attendance at a summer music camp that provides an orchestral or choral experience.

Online application (Word Document) available here. For more information or to request a printed application, contact the Bremerton Symphony Association at 360-373-1722, P.O. Box 996, Bremerton, WA 98337.

7. Greater Kitsap Honors Orchestra
May 9-10, 2008

GKHO events include full rehearsals, sectionals and meals culminating in a performance at Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center.  The BSA will be highlighting the young musicians not only by hosting this event, but recognizing them, their school and their teachers on our web site, in the concert program and through local media.  In times when many schools cannot afford to offer instrumental music programs, the BSA wants to encourage our young people to pursue music for a lifetime of enjoyment.  This is the second GKHO, the first being held in 2005.

How to join:

• Be an active member of the Bremerton Symphony Youth Orchestra OR
• Be nominated by your public school instrumental music teacher OR
• Be nominated by your private lesson teacher

GKHO Instruments:  flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, timpani, violin, viola, cello and bass.

Full Description (Word Document) available here. For more information, contact the Bremerton Symphony Association at 360-373-1722.

8. Bremerton Symphony Youth Showcase
May 10, 2008
Bremerton Symphony Youth Showcase events include competing for cash prizes for support of further private lesson thru a judged musical contest.  Held the same weekend as GKHO, all orchestral instrumentalists competing in BSYS are strongly encouraged to participate with the GKHO.  Pianists can attend BSYS for $25 entrance fee (no food included).  Music for contestants shall include two contrasting tempo selections not to exceed 10 minutes combined. You are required to provide your own accompanist.

BSYS Instruments:  flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, timpani, violin, viola, cello, bass and piano.

BSYS Categories:                              age 12-15                                age 16-18
Orchestral instrumentalist:                    2 winners @ $200 each            2 winners @ $200 each
Piano                                                1 winner @ $200                     1 winner @ $200

Online application (Word Document) available here. For more information or to request a printed application, contact the Bremerton Symphony Association at 360-373-1722, P.O. Box 996, Bremerton, WA 98337.