The Golden State Youth Orchestra Chamber Program is for small ensembles performing in trios, quartets, and quintets. The Chamber Music Program is open to GSYO members who play violin, viola, cello, oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon, piano, or French horn. Brass quintets, and other instruments may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Coaches will help the ensemble choose the repertoire based on the age/ability of the participants. It is expected that the musicians will submit a completed recording of their work(s) to be shared with the GSYO community by a date TBD.
Audio/video conferencing programs are improving; however synchronous playing is still not one-hundred percent possible due to sound lag; therefore, musicians will use online recording applications (such as Soundtrap) to independently record their parts, collaborate to mix, and to listen together. While practicing, students will take turns leading and playing unmuted while the others play along (sound muted).
As the Coronavirus improves and gathering mandates are relaxed in Santa Clara County, musicians may have the opportunity to perform live, outdoors, safety and weather permitting. This will be optional and only allowed if musicians can perform with masks, socially distanced, or as local health directives require. GSYO parents will need to approve their child’s participation in such a performance.
Because of the small group element and one-to-a-part nature of Chamber Music, participants should understand this is a commitment that, barring illness, they should be able to attend every week. If even one person is missing, productive work can be difficult.