As autumn rolls on, Joy Music Programs are alive with sound, growth, and community spirit! From the launch of the new Joy Youth Orchestra to record-setting participation in After School and In-School programs, this season marks an inspiring chapter of creativity and connection for young musicians across Yamhill County.

Joy Youth Orchestra

Joy Youth Orchestra is enjoying a vibrant inaugural season, full of exceptional talent, exciting collaborations, and a growing commitment to youth music education across Yamhill County.

Following a highly competitive hiring process, Damian Berdakin and Sarah Barr joined the team as conductors for Joy Youth Orchestras. Both bring deep expertise in orchestral pedagogy and a passion for creating positive, engaging ensemble experiences for students.

This fall, 72 students in grades 4–12 auditioned from across Yamhill County. Of those, 23 were selected for Joy Prelude Strings (grades 4–8), and 30 for Joy Symphony (grades 7–12). While final numbers may shift slightly, enthusiasm is high as rehearsals get underway.

A highlight of the season is a special collaboration with professional musicians Sasha Callahan and Leo Eguchi, who will perform alongside Joy in a piece by acclaimed composer Kevin Day. This exciting side-by-side opportunity blends the talents of a professional string quartet with developing young musicians and marks a meaningful milestone in Joy’s growing community reach.

The first Joy Youth Orchestra concert will take place on Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 p.m. at George Fox University’s Bauman Auditorium. The performance will celebrate the launch of the program and spotlight the dedication and progress of these young musicians and their instructors.

Come celebrate the start of something joyful—our students are excited to share the music they’ve been working hard to create!

Joy Summer Camp

Sixty-five students participated in the Joy Summer Camp program in August. A team of five Joy Teaching Artists, along with high school assistant teaching artists, taught two levels of instruction to the students. In addition to sharpening their musical skills, students participated in outdoor games and team-building activities, bringing energy, leadership, and a sense of community to the week.

Joy partnered with Fear No Music to bring a creative and inspiring camp experience to young musicians, highlighted by a visit from guest artist Dr. Kirsten Volness. Dr. Volness led workshops in composition and improvisation—accordion in hand! —guiding students as they explored musical composition through ostinatos (repeating patterns).

A long-standing camp favorite returned as students rotated through musical challenge stations to earn points with their teams. From “Name That Tune” and music theory trivia to a Hot Cross Buns relay and the ever-popular longest violin note contest, this playful tradition brought out smiles and friendly competition from both campers and teachers alike.

Joy After School Orchestra

Fall 2025 kicked off with incredible energy as 195 students in grades 2–5 joined the Joy After School Orchestra—including a record-setting 125 Beginning Orchestra students, the largest group ever!

One of the most memorable moments for beginners is the day they take home their very first violin, viola, or cello. The excitement is palpable—and for many, it’s the moment their musical journey truly begins. A favorite sight this fall: seven-year-olds proudly carrying cellos that are nearly as big as they are!

Joy In-School Orchestra

In the classroom, 1,016 Joy Kindergarten and 1st grade students are starting their musical year with box violins——crafted from tissue boxes, paint stir sticks, duct tape, and drawing of real instruments. These creative tools allow young learners to safely explore how to hold and move with a violin before transitioning to the real thing.

For returning 1st graders, it’s a chance to build on what they’ve already learned and feel a sense of progress. One student shared that the highlight of her day was “graduating” to the real violin—a joyful and confidence-boosting milestone. Thanks to strong partnerships with local schools, this kind of musical discovery is a regular part of students’ school day.