“We believe that music is a way to communicate with and connect with people across all walks of life,” said Amy Brunner, JOY Program Director. “This orchestra program will not only enrich the lives of the students but will also bring the community together through the shared experience of music.”
Starting in September 2025, the JOY Youth Orchestra will offer structured rehearsals and performance opportunities for students in grades 4 through 12 with two or more years of experience on their instrument. This is an opportunity designed to nurture students' musical abilities, teamwork skills, and passion for the arts. Participation in the program will be by audition and is open to students in Yamhill County with a range of string, wind, and percussion instrument experience.
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for young people in Yamhill County to discover and hone their musical talents,” said Alyssa Johnson, Executive Director of YES. “The JOY program was launched in 2017 at Edwards Elementary with a dream of one day offering a countywide youth orchestra. We are excited to be able to put that dream into reality. Music education is a powerful tool for building confidence, discipline, and creativity, and our goal is to make it accessible to all students in the area. Whether they are beginners or experienced musicians, we want every child to feel welcomed and empowered to participate.”
YES, founded by Susan Sokol Blosser in 2017, began the JOY program by providing weekly in-school violin instruction to every kindergartner at Edwards Elementary School in Newberg, Oregon, as part of their music education curriculum. Since then, the program has grown annually, expanding to include more grade levels, schools, and instruments. Today, JOY serves over 970 children across nine schools in Yamhill County. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, skilled teaching artists, and instruments for both in-school and after-school programs. The K-1 program is offered free of charge to schools and parents, while a small tuition is charged for after-school programs.
The Youth Orchestra Program is designed to cater to a variety of skill levels, with separate groups for intermediate and more advanced musicians. Students will have the chance to perform in concerts, collaborate with their peers, and develop skills that extend beyond the music classroom. Students will be expected to continue to participate in their school’s orchestra or band program.
In addition to ensemble training, students will work on literature with professional conductors to prepare for concerts throughout the year. Scholarships will be available for families in need, ensuring that every student has the chance to participate, regardless of financial background.
About Yamhill Enrichment Society
The Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES) is a 501(c)3 public benefit non-profit with a mission to transform the lives of Yamhill County children through literacy and music enrichment. Books and music inspire the spirit and feed the soul. In partnership with the community and proven programs, YES is the local partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and founded JOY which currently offers JOY K-1 in-school instruction and JOY After School in nine public schools in Yamhill County. For information go to www.yamhillenrichmentsociety.org.
