BYO History

In 1969, the Berkeley Junior Symphony was created by Sally Kell to showcase the talents of the younger brothers and sisters of East Bay high school musicians. Recognized as excellent musicians in their own right, these students continued to flourish under the new name Berkeley Youth Orchestra. Subsequent conductors Yair Strauss, J. Karla Lemon, John MacLean, Judith Williams Gartrell and Ann Krinitsky led the ensemble through thirty five years of strong musical accomplishment.

Secure in its home on the Laney College campus and delighted with its beautiful theater and versatile facilities, the orchestra is enjoying unprecendented respect and support in the musical community. BYO members hail from all over the extended Bay Area, with some members traveling weekly from as far as Vallejo, Fairfield, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco to partake of this unique opportunity. The program offers sectional rehearsals with local professional musicians, an incorporated chamber ensemble program, an overnight retreat, and various solo opportunities.

BYO continues its important role as the first full orchestra experience for nearly all of its members, most of whom continue on to other local high-school age youth orchestras in the Bay Area. Many have successfully pursued a professional career as classical musicians. Distinguished alumni include Berkeley Symphony musician William Harvey, and Philharmonia Baroque musicians Lisa Grodin and Rachel Durling.

The Berkeley Youth Orchestra endeavors to support music of emerging composers. In recent years, BYO has commissioned new works by local composers Chris Ferreira, John Reager, Dylan Mattingly, Katrina Wreede, Peter Josheff (BYO Wind and Brass coach for 10 seasons) and Mary Watkins. The orchestra has also performed works by nationally-known composer Gwyneth Walker and Donald Reid Womack of the University of Hawaii, Manoa.