Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra
Est. 1982
The Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra program was founded in 1982 and comprises the finest conductors, teachers and students in the Tampa Bay area.
Auditions are held each season for coveted positions in the symphony orchestra and the string orchestras. Students who have completed this program have gained acceptance to the most elite conservatories and universities, including the Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Our professional staff has the experience and world-wide connections to guide exceptional young musicians to a professional level.
Auditions are heard on all string, wind and percussion instrument and students are placed in the ensemble that best fits their skill level. The orchestras of the PCYO program expose students to great musical masterpieces as they play under the batons of internationally-recognized conductors and make friends with other great young musicians from all around the Bay area.
History
PCYO; formerly identified as the Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra, was founded in 1982 by Beverly Lauring and the Florida Orchestra. When the Patel Conservatory at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center was constructed in 2004, Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra and Patel Conservatory partnered to develop the pre-professional track program that is now being established as one of the leading youth orchestras in the region, now known as The Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra. Currently under the artistic direction of Gregory Ruffer, chairman of the music department at the Patel Conservatory, the orchestras regularly perform with guest conductors from major orchestras and conservatories from around the United States.
ORCHESTRAS
Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra
This orchestra is the flagship of the Youth Orchestra program and consists of highly advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion players. Students perform standard chamber orchestra repertoire with the finest musicians in the Tampa Bay area and study with the Conservatory's professional teacher-artists. The Youth Orchestra regularly tours both in Florida and around the country and has premiered new works by nationally-recognized composers. Students are expected to be enrolled in private lessons on their instrument in order to participate in this ensemble.
Intermezzo Orchestra
The Intermezzo Orchestra is for intermediate-level students who play violin, viola, cello or bass. Students at the Suzuki Book Level II or a comparable level who have mastered proper position for their instrument and play with a good intonation are eligible for this orchestra. Ensemble work is supplemented with sectional instruction by Conservatory teachers to improve tone quality, intonation, music reading skills and basic musicianship. Students are strongly encouraged to also enroll in private lessons on their instrument.
Chamber Music
All students in the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra program have the opportunity to play in chamber ensembles. Groups are formed in the Fall.
Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra Staff
Gregory Ruffer, Music Department Chair
Stephen P. Brown, Principal Conductor
Catherine Michelsen, Associate Conductor
Allison Novak, Music Department Coordinator
Deborah Lynch, Staff Accompanist
Patel Conservatory Private Instructors
Richard Marenda, Music Department Intern
Contact our staff at 813.222.1002 or email music@strazcenter.org