Our Orchestras
GTiYO Pre-Junior Ensemble
The GTIYO Pre-Junior Ensemble was founded in the fall of 2016 under the direction of Mr. David Oliver and Mr. Yang Kun Song. Since the Junior Ensemble was founded it has grown rapidly and parents began to get their younger children started with private music lessons after seeing what the talented young musicians in the junior ensemble could do. After a year of lessons, a group of students aged 7-10 emerged and had reached a level at which they were ready to play in a group. There are some who believe that such young children are not ready to play in an orchestra, but since its conception the pre-junior ensemble has proven that ensemble playing knows no age limits.
The orchestra has given these young students confidence and the opportunity to play in a group that can make beautiful music at their own level. The students have exhibited tremendous concentration and learned the value of discipline and hard work. This sort of early music education fosters creativity, instills a collaborative spirit, and a positive sense of self-worth. The pre-junior ensemble is meant to build a solid foundation that prepares these students very early on for the rigor and commitment of playing in more demanding orchestras and paves the way for future membership in the junior and senior ensembles. Having three orchestras of different ages and levels has made GTIYO a unique teaching organization with each orchestra mutually benefiting the other.
GTiYO Junior Ensemble
The Greater Toledo International Youth Orchestra's Junior Ensemble was formed during the inaugural season of the GTiYO senior ensemble. Almost immediately after the GTiYO began, music director and conductor Yang Kun Song realized that there were younger musicians who were in need of a rehearsal and performance group, many of them siblings of the senior GTiYO group. Some of the juniors are from outside of our immediate local community who began to reach out and express interest in such an ensemble.
This opportunity to groom these young musicians and give them early exposure to the collaborative art of chamber music, was not ignored because of their age. By giving them the unique opportunity to play level appropriate chamber music and provide training, they will quickly build confidence that will serve their musical careers. Conducted by Mr. David Oliver, who has devoted his life to the education of young musicians, this experience will build a solid foundation that will provide rapid advancement throughout their musical pursuits.
GTIYO SENIOR Ensemble
The senior ensemble is comprised of our orchestra's most experienced, veteran musicians. We are especially proud of the accomplishments of our senior ensemble. Expectations of them are higher and they are given more challenging music to match their talent and hard work as young artists.