HISTORY OF BAYSO

In January 1991, Jim Braid, conductor of the Blue Ash Symphony Orchestra, had a dream: to form an orchestra for high school and college students, age 14-22. Tim Carpenter served as Assistant Conductor the first season. That first year, thirty-eight enthusiastic young people came together to form the Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsals were held at Sycamore Junior High School. In March of that year, several parents met to organize a committee of parent volunteers to assist Mr. Braid with this ambitious endeavor. The first President of BAYSO was Elaine Heismann. BAYSO's first concert performance was April 28, 1991. The performance included Beethoven's "Overture to Egmont, Op. 84, Johann Strauss Jr.'s "On the Beautiful Blue Danube Waltzes" and John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever".

Auditions were slated for September of 1991 for the 1991-1992 season. Musicians were asked to prepare "Beethoven's 5th" for their audition piece. BAYSO experienced "growing pains" this year. The immaturity of younger members along with the lack of challenging music for more mature members and frequent turnover of musicians led to some discontentment in the ranks. However, BAYSO persevered. Mr. Tim Carpenter became Conductor of BAYSO this 2nd season. BAYSO had dropped to a low of sixteen members in April of 1993. It was during these first few years that the final age group was shaped: students in grades 7 through 12.

During the 1993 season, BAYSO assembled several ensembles and performed at local malls during the Christmas season hoping to gain more visibility in the community. Concerts were performed at the Montgomery Assembly of God Church this year. A bake sale followed the February 21st, 1993 concert to raise money to buy new music. Mr. Ron Wolford served as President of BAYSO. Mr. Carpenter served as Conductor until July of 1994. Mr. Dale Swisher assumed the baton shortly thereafter.

During the 1994 season, BAYSO benefited from a $1500 gift from the city of Blue Ash. By November of 1994, under the tutelage of Dale Swisher, the Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra had grown to 70 students. Assisting Dale Swisher was Ms. Lynn Poffenberger as Assistant Conductor. BAYSO continued to hold small ensemble performances at area sites during the Christmas season this year.

During the 1995-1996 season, BAYSO considered strengthening its' affiliation with BASO (the Blue Ash Symphony Orchestra). After considerable debate and effort, it was decided to remain autonomous and continue our relationship with BASO primarily through the joint Memorial Day Concert performance. BASO did however begin to sponsor a Young Artist's Competition for the Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra. A cash award is presented to the musician winning this coveted award. Mr. Paul Stanberry assisted BAYSO as Guest Conductor during the spring concert as did Mr. Ron Wolford this year. Ms. Joan Howe served as President of BAYSO until September, when Mr. Greg Robben took over. Mr. Vince Bennett served as co-President.

In the 1997-1998 season, BAYSO surpassed the 100-member plateau. Concerts were recorded and professional quality audiocassettes became available to members. Michelle Lierl was named President of BAYSO. During the 1998 season, BAYSO began performing as part of the city's Fine Arts Weekend.

In May of 1998, Mr. Vince Rahnfeld was selected to replace Lynn Poffenberger as Assistant Director of BAYSO. In August of 1998, BAYSO learned that it had been selected from over 300 applicants to play at the 1999 Ohio Music Education Association Convention in Cincinnati, a very prestigious honor. BAYSO's concert performances were held at Indian Hill High School.

In 1999, BAYSO began to perform with the Cincinnati Youth Symphony Orchestra as part of the city's Fine Arts Festival. It has become a wonderful opportunity to showcase the areas two premier youth symphonies together. Membership was at an all time high, more than 110 musicians. BAYSO enjoyed some extra attention when parts of a few concerts were broadcast on Channel 5 News. Mr. Mark Smith was elected President of BAYSO. A newsletter about BAYSO, In Tune, was created for members.

The 2000-2001 season marked BAYSO's 10th Anniversary. A gift of more than 100 maroon jackets used by members of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra was made to BAYSO. BAYSO traveled to perform at a government function in Columbus for the first performance outside Cincinnati.
Our concert schedule began with a special 10th Anniversary performance at Sycamore High School's new auditorium. It featured a special piece, commissioned for BAYSO, at this concert.