Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra
Calling all young musicians! Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra (JYSO) is an exceptional ensemble in the Jackson county area for 7th to 12th graders. With a mission to nurture musical excellence, we provide a platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents, grow their artistic abilities, and perform in two concerts. From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, you’ll explore a diverse repertoire and hone your craft under the guidance of accomplished mentors. Rehearsals are held Sundays from 2 – 4 PM at Weatherwax Hall starting in the fall but you can join any time during the school year.
2022-2023 School Year
- Musicians 7th – 12th grade
- Rehearsals are Sundays from 2 – 4 PM at Weatherwax Hall
- An open house and rehearsal will be held on September 11th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
- Fall auditions will be held September 18th from 1:30 to 4:00 PM at Weatherwax Hall
- Students may join during the school year
- Membership fee is $200 per year, additional family members are $100
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $25/month
- Students taking private lessons at the JSO’s Community Music School may join free of charge
- Two concerts per year
- Financial aid is available
Calendar
Fall Semester:
September 11 – 2:00-4:00pm – “Open House” rehearsal
September 18 – 2:00-4:00pm – Auditions and Rehearsals
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – 2:00-4:00pm – Rehearsals
November 6, 13 – 2:00-4:00pm – Rehearsals
November 20 – 1:30pm – Dress Rehearsal
November 20 – 3:00pm – Concert
Spring Semester:
January 15, 22 – 2:00-4:00pm – Rehearsals
February 5, 12, 26 – 2:00-4:00pm – Rehearsals
March 5, 12, 19 – 2:00-4:00pm – Rehearsals
April 16, 23, 30 – 2:00-4:00pm – Rehearsals
May 7 – 1:30pm – Dress Rehearsal
May 7 – 3:00pm – Concert
Meet Our Faculty
Jed Fritzemeier
Director
Since 2019, Jed has been the Director of the Community Music School and Director of Music Education for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. A performing bassist, Jed plays with the orchestra in addition to free-lancing throughout the area. He was a public school orchestra teacher for 34 years finishing his career for the Chelsea School District, Chelsea, Mi. Jed was Teacher of the Year for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the Michigan American String Teachers Association in 2008. In addition to the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, his performance credits include the Michigan Opera Theater, Toledo Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, Racine Symphony, Racine, Wisconsin, South Dakota Symphony, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and various festival orchestras, jazz ensembles, rock bands, polka bands since he was 15 years old.
Jasmine Hass
Assistant Director
Jasmine Hass is the French Horn teacher at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s Community Music School. Jasmine is the director of bands at Northwest Kidder Middle School, where she teaches beginners through third-year players and assists with the high school marching band. Jasmine attended Western Michigan University, where she double majored in Music Education and Horn Performance. Jasmine loves to travel, and has been to most of the US states and several international destinations, including China, South Africa, and several European countries. She currently resides in Jackson, where she lives with her husband and two dogs.