EYO Ensembles

The EYO's After-School Ensemble program provides three different levels of string and full orchestras, with student placement in the ensembles based on student performance level and ability, as we well as perceived student potential. These factors are determined by the EYO artistic staff through the audition process.

All of the ensembles of the EYO rehearse at the historic Music Center at Temple Beth Israel in downtown Gadsden. Learn more about each ensemble below to determine which one is the BEST FIT for you!



The Ensembles


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The EYO features three after-school ensembles that are open by audition to young musicians from throughout Northeast Alabama. Each ensemble is designed to enhance the musical experiences of its students, based on each student’s current level of performance. While there are recommended grade levels for each ensemble, placement is based strictly on performance level at the time of audition. Minimum levels of previous experience are noted for each ensemble. Each EYO ensemble meets once a week at a specified time during the regular academic year (August through May).

The Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra, comprised of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. The EYSO performs standard orchestral literature and advanced orchestral transcriptions. Additionally, repertoire for the EYSO includes music from motion pictures and the Broadway stage. The EYSO has earned a national reputation for its performances of the music of contemporary composers, and regularly presents the World, Regional and Local Premieres of contemporary works. Repertoire from previous seasons includes “Mars” and “Jupiter” from “The Planets” by Holst; “Danzon No. 2” by Marquez; “Rhapsody in Blue” by Gershwin; “The Barber of Seville” Overture by Rossini; and “Carmen” Suite No. 1 by Bizet.

• Principal conductor – Michael R. Gagliardo
• SUGGESTED grade levels – 8th-12th grade
• Minimum requirements for auditioning – 2 years performing experience (can be waived with teacher recommendation)
• Rehearsal day and time – Mondays, 6:30-9:00 PM

The Etowah Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

The Etowah Youth Philharmonic Orchestra is the EYO’s second full symphony orchestra, consisting of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. The EYPO performs transcriptions of standard orchestral repertoire, contemporary works for orchestra, and music from the stage and screen. Repertoire from previous seasons includes Symphony No. 9, “Choral,” mvts. 2 (arr. England) and 4 (arr. Leidig) by Beethoven; “William Tell” Overture (arr. Lehmeier) by Rossini; “Down a Country Lane” by Copland; and Norwegian Dances Nos. 2 & 3 (arr. Isaac) by Grieg.

• Principal conductor – Deborah Boos
• SUGGESTED grade levels – 7th-12th grade
• Minimum requirements for auditioning – 2 years performing experience (can be waived with teacher recommendation)
• Rehearsal day and time – Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM

The Etowah String Sinfonia

The Etowah String Sinfonia is an intermediate-level string orchestra that functions both as an active performing ensemble and as an educational ensemble that serves to prepare musicians for performance in the Etowah Youth Philharmonic and the Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestras. The ESS performs regularly throughout the season, and musical selections include classical transcriptions, new works for string orchestra, and transcriptions of popular music. Previous repertoire includes arrangements of the music of Handel, Beethoven, J.S. Bach, Brahms, Offenbach and Haydn, plus original music by Robert Frost, Les Taylor and Alan Moss.

• Principal conductor – Bryce Anderson • SUGGESTED grade levels – 6th-8th grade
• Minimum requirements for auditioning – 2 years performing experience (can be waived with teacher recommendation)
• Rehearsal day and time – Thursdays, 6:30-8 PM

EYO Fund Raising


EYO GivingTuesday 2020

Now through January 1, 2021 – learn more about our GivingTuesday fundraiser and to show your support!
More Details

The EYO Merchandise Store


Thank you for supporting the arts!

Visit the EYO Merchandise Store online at the Sew Nice Embroidery & Gifts website for all your EYO merchandise needs! T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, polos, jackets and 1/4-zips and more!
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Gildan Adult Heavy Blend 8 Oz , 50/50 Hood
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Gildan Youth Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt
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Gildan Ultra Cotton 100% Cotton T-shirt

The Red Brick Collective


Chamber music division

The Red Brick Collective is the chamber music division of the Etowah Youth Orchestras. Each year the EYO has multiple chamber ensembles that perform at different functions and events throughout the state. Ensembles in the Red Brick Collective have included the EYO String Quartet, the EYO Woodwind Quintet, the EYO Saxophone Quartet and the EYO Brass Quintet. Ensembles of the Red Brick Collective work with EYO staff and guest coaches.

About EYO

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EYO Auditions

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EYO Strings

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