The MCOK Youth Symphony began in October, 2004 to fill the need for instrumental instruction in our community. The Youth Symphony now has beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Each group has instruction and rehearsals for all symphonic instrumentation including strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion. The Youth Symphony performs several concerts over the course of the year and hosts Solo and Ensemble judging for symphonic instruments annually.

Our Symphony Director, Mrs. Arlene Gomes, has a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and is certified to teach all instruments including strings K-12. Her students are continuously selected for the top seats at the District, State and National levels. The Mary C. is very fortunate to have her direct our Youth Symphony!

4th Annual Solo & Ensemble Instrumental Judging -- See photos here!

Saturday March 7th, 2009 Ages 9-18
Instruments Judged include - Violins, Violas, Cellos, String Basses, Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion

Students may register for entry performing a Solo, Duet, Trio, Quartet, Sextet, Septet, or Octet.
(Please note: Students cannot perform 2 Solos' unless it is on a different instrument).
* Students who earn a I (Rating of Superior) receive a medal, II – (Rating of Excellent) receive a certificate.
* Entry Fees are: $20.00 (Solo), $18.00 Each Student (Duet, Trio, Quartet, Sextet, Septet, or Octet
* Students must have 2 copies of the performance piece. Both copies must have every measure numbered.
* Students should arrive half an hour before their assigned performance time for warm up and tuning.
* To Register contact the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center 228.818.2878

Mary C. O'Keefe Youth Symphony 2009 Annual Spring Concert Performance

Monday, May 18th 6:00 P.M.
Free to the Public - Donations and Sponsorships Available
A MULTICULTURAL THEMATIC EXTRODINARE Music will take you to Spain, Asia, British Isles and back to the U.S.A.
Performing Selections of:

* Saliendo by Susan Day
Like the Spanish Title which means "Leaving" this is a bittersweet original Latin Style piece containing
Jazzy and drifting motifs of the Spanish culture that are enjoyable to perform and hear.

* Fantasia On A Theme From Thailand by Richard Meyer
This selection is essentially a set of variations on the "Pong Lang Dance " one of Thailand's most popular melodies.

* Lord Of The Dance by Ronan Hardiman arr. by L.Moore
This is an energetic fiddling style of the British Isles Celtic Music

* The Second Storm by Robert W. Smith
Is based on Hurricane Ivan which was the second storm to have an impact on the composer's life whose hometown is Narvarre, Florida.
This piece starts with beauty and serenity to the listener depicting "Calm Before the Storm" and quickly intensifies with energy, imaginations
and enthusiasm to recreate the experience through music.