The spring semester of the Oswego Community Youth Orchestra (OCYO) has commenced as of January 29. Four students from G. Ray Bodley are participating in this string orchestra and all of the students are principals of their section.

"I think the Oswego Community Youth Orchestra is an amazing avenue for students to perform and collaborate with young musicians from other schools," G. Ray Bodley Orchestra Director Mrs. Edele said.

"I love performing in OCYO as it is a good opportunity to play with musicians outside of the district and it helps me with my sight reading. I also love Mrs. Rogers," senior and principal cellist Leah O'Hanlon said.

The OCYO rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Minetto United Methodist Church. The string orchestra is conducted by Cheryl Rogers, the retired Orchestra Director/K-12 Team Leader for Music in the Oswego City School District.

Mrs. Rogers was also the orchestra director at GRB during both of Mrs. Edele's maternity leaves. Throughout her career she launched the Oswego City School District's string program, conducted various all counties, performed with vocal groups, directed a drum corps, and was assistant director of the Oswego High School marching band.

Oswego Middle School Orchestra Director, Deb Mazurek, and Oswego High School Director, Lindsey Serrao, have both made appearances at the orchestra's rehearsals. They have graciously come in to lead sectionals and act as guest conductors.

"Youth orchestras are important for student musicians to explore a variety of musical genres and perform more difficult music than they otherwise would have had the opportunity to do," Ms. Serrao said.

They are currently rehearsing the following songs for their spring concert:

• Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 - Bach
• Green Ryhthmico - Mosier
• A 'Bark' Gigue - Hultgren
• As Summer was Just Beginning - Daehn
• Psalm and Fugue - Hovhaness
• Bailes Para Orquestra - Meyer

Congratulations to the following G. Ray Bodley seniors who are participating: Leah O'Hanlon (principal cello), Anna Carole Samson (principal viola), Dominic Fischel (assistant concert-master), Andrew Smith (concert-master).