JAMESTOWN, NY — “We’re just thrilled and very grateful for the support we received from Rotary!”

That’s how President Tanya Anderson expressed the reaction of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony (CRYS) board to receiving a grant recently from the Rotary Club of Jamestown.

The Chautauqua Regional Youth Symphony recently received a grant from the Rotary Club of Jamestown. The strings players of the Youth Symphony will begin rehearsals on September 17 for the opening concert of the season planned for Sunday evening, November 20 at SS. Peter and Paul Church in downtown Jamestown. They are shown here at a previous concert under the direction of conductor and music director Bryan Eckenrode. (Submitted photo)

Anderson continued, “After a very positive 2010-2011 season, we’re adding some new board members this fall and planning to take on new challenges for next season. Rotary’s support gives a real boost to our efforts!”

Each year, up to 100 or more students are enrolled in CRYS’s three orchestras: Prelude Strings for beginning string musicians, Young Artists Orchestra for intermediate instrumental students, and the Youth Symphony for highly talented and motivated musicians ages 13 through 20.

All three orchestras are under the direction of accomplished musician and CRYS conductor and music director Bryan Eckenrode. The strings players of the Youth Symphony will begin rehearsals on Saturday, September 17, with their Chamber Orchestra performance opening the new season planned for Sunday evening, November 20 at SS. Peter and Paul Church in downtown Jamestown.

Thanks to a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, scholarship money is available to help students who need tuition assistance.

CRYS students are selected by teacher recommendation. Teachers and students who would like more information about CRYS and its scholarships are invited to call (716) 664-2465, ext. 202, or visit the website at CRYouthSymphony.org.