The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra has completed its second successful season.

This orchestra, which began in 2007 as a grass roots effort with eight students, has grown to over 40 students with two orchestras.

This past year, the students played at many community events such as the tree lighting, Waltz Gala Ball, Farmer’s Market grand opening, Arts Festival, and the Fourth of July fireworks.

“As we come to the conclusion of the second season of the MVYSO, I am more excited than ever about the future of this young organization,” said Danny Shin, president of the MVYSO. “I truly believe that we are continuing to meet our mission to foster the musical talents of our youth while giving back to the community in which we live. For example, we were thrilled and honored to perform at the Maple Valley Fourth of July Celebration. It was the perfect display of awesome fireworks with live patriotic music in the background, orchestrated beautifully together.”

The MVYSO has been a great community collaboration. “Obviously, this type of achievement would not be possible without the contributions of a lot of dedicated individuals and groups with a shared vision,” Shin said. “I would like to thank our countless parent volunteers, our conductor, April Whyte, our executive director, Elisa Lewis, and Ron Mallory for your tireless commitment to the MVYSO. And to our generous partners and sponsors, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Maple Valley Creative Arts Council, Maple Valley Rotary, Corner of Love, 4 Culture – thank you for your help in making MVYSO a local success.”

The future is indeed bright and exciting for the MVYSO. On the calendar this summer is a Music Camp with a movie music theme Aug. 10 – 14 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. This camp is offered at $10 as a way of encouraging new students to give the orchestra a try. Young musicians with two or more years of playing experience are encouraged to sign up. Camp will include fun music, games, musical friends, coaching on your instrument, performance and classes given by professionals and a T-shirt. Check out www.mvyso.org for more information.

MVYSO’s next season begins in the fall. Two new groups will be added to the program. A developmental strings program will be added for beginning string players and a Chamber Orchestra program will be added for advanced students (participation in MVYSO’s Symphony Orchestra is required). MVYSO will continue with Philharmonia Orchestra for intermediate players and Symphony Orchestra for more advanced players. Auditions will be held in late August and early September. Visit www.mvyso.org to sign up for an audition time or call 425-358-1640. No auditions are required for the developmental string program, just call or visit the Web site to sign up.

For more information about the MVYSO, visit their website at www.mvyso.org or call (425) 358-1640.