Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra
Calling all young musicians! We invite you to join the Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra (JYSO), an outstanding ensemble serving the Jackson County area. Our primary goal is to foster musical excellence by providing a platform for talented young musicians like you to showcase your skills, develop your artistic abilities, and participate in two concerts throughout the year. Our repertoire spans from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, allowing you to explore a diverse range of musical styles while refining your craft. With the guidance of accomplished mentors, you’ll receive expert instruction and support. Rehearsals start in the fall; however, you can join the orchestra at any time during the school year.
- Musicians 7th – 12th grade
- Rehearsals: Sundays 2 – 4 pm at Weatherwax Hall
- Membership fee: $200 per year
- Additional family members are $100
- Students in year-long Private lesson at CMS receive free membership
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $25/month
- Financial aid available
JYSO Auditions will consist of:
- Two scales of your choice
- Solo piece of your choice demonstrating your current technical ability.
- Sight Reading (provided at the audition)
2024-2025 Calendar
| 1st Semester | ||
| September 8 | Auditions | 2-4pm |
| September 15 | Auditions and First Regular Rehearsal | 2-4pm |
| September 22-29 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| October 6-13-20-27 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| November 3-10-17 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| November 24 | Fall Concert Warm Up | 1:30-2:30pm |
| November 24 | Fall Concert | 3:00pm |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| February 2-9-23 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| March 2-9-16-30 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| April 6-13-27 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| April 25 | Side-by-Side Rehearsal w/JSO*** | 7:30 PM |
| April 26 | Side-by-Side Concert w/JSO*** | 7:30 PM |
| May 4 | Regular Rehearsals | 2-4pm |
| May 11 | Spring Concert Warm-up | 1:30-2:30pm |
| May 11 | Spring Concert and Last Day | 3:00pm |
| All events downtown at Weatherwax Hall unless marked | ||
| *** At Jackson College Potter Center | ||
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.
Rachel Paxton
Assistant Director
