Since 2017 the IUP Music Department and Johnstown Symphony Orchestra have teamed up to support music education in the region. Below are several new initiatives that provide exciting musical opportunities for IUP music students.
Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra Mentoring Program
In this program, IUP music majors take on leadership roles as section leaders in rehearsals and concerts in the Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra. Students are accepted by application, and the JSO provides a modest stipend for travel expenses. It is a wonderful opportunity for IUP music majors to develop their teaching and leadership skills while playing and working with young musicians in the area. For the fall 2018 semester, IUP music students Michael Weaver (senior bass major) and Ashadeth Santiago (freshman viola major) are serving as JSYO mentors.
Johnstown Symphony Orchestra
Advanced IUP music students can gain invaluable performance experience playing in the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Students are accepted by auditions, usually held in late August and September. This is a wonderful opportunity for IUP students to gain experience in the orchestral audition process and play a wide range of orchestral repertoire under the baton of Maestro James Blachly.
For more information about the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra, go to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra website. For information on how to get involved in the JSYO Mentoring Program or the JSO, please contact Linda Jennings at ljenning@iup.edu.