Gulf Coast Youth Symphony The Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra was re-formed in 2001, this time under the umbrella of the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. Over 140 Coast students auditioned for the 65 positions. Youth Orchestra members came from the three Coast counties and represented 16 public, private and home schools. Weekly rehearsals take place throughout the school year and the orchestra presents three concerts during that time.   MORE... » Our History » Board of Directors » Music Director » Orchestra » Concert Sponsors » Patrons » Donations » Guild » Youth Orchestra » Fund Raisers Opportunities arise for the whole orchestra, as well as smaller groups, to perform for private functions. Demonstrations in libraries and schools give members additional time performing before the public. For information on auditions and a concert schedule, please call the Symphony (228) 435-9800. Timothy James Bergman, Youth Orchestra Music Director Timothy Bergman, a professional conductor, was appointed executive director of the Louisiana Alliance for Arts Education in May 2001. The Alliance is the leading statewide non-profit organization with the mission to secure an ongoing, quality education in the arts - visual art, music, theatre, and dance - for all Louisiana students. Bergman is in his seventh season as music director of the Louisiana Youth Orchestras, an educational project of the Baton Rouge Symphony. Nearly 180 young musicians are recruited and selected by audition to participate in the LYO's tri-level orchestra. He served as assistant conductor of the Baton Rouge Symphony during 1995-2001, conducting selected Classical, Summerfest (outdoor), Chamber, Pops, Family, and special concerts. He programmed and conducted the annual Discovery concerts that served nearly 12,000 4th and 5th grade students from the Greater Baton Rouge area. Bergman received his Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University (FL), a Master of Music from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Miami. BridgeStrings (a group of younger string players preparing for membership in the main Youth Orchestra) Vicki Heidingsfelder, Director Vicki Heidingsfelder is trained and certified in the Suzuki method. She has taught music for over 11 years and instruct at various schools, The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, and privately. As a professional musician, Vicki is well known for her performances in musical theatre and for special events throughout the coast. STUDENT COMPOSITION CONTEST The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra announces its second coast-wide Student Composition Contest. The winning selection will be played by the GCSO at its Holiday Concert in 2002. For details, contact Tonya Hays (228) 897-6039 or the Symphony Office (228) 435-9800.

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