The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association is pleased to announce Dr. Richard M. Cangro as the new conductor of the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra.
Originally from Staten Island, Dr. Cangro, is an Associate Professor of Music Education at Western Illinois University. He began his teaching career as a school band and orchestra director in Connecticut, as well as a youth ensemble conductor and chamber music coach for the Hartt School Community Pre-college Division, University of Hartford. Dr. Cangro received a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, a Master of Music Education from the Hartt School, and a Ph.D. in Music Education also from Hartt.
Musically, Dr. Cangro has a wide range of experiences as a trumpet player and conductor. He performs with the Quincy Symphony and is a member of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. He is currently the music director/conductor of the Monmouth Civic Orchestra.
At WIU, Dr. Cangro teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in music education as well as directs the Community Music School, supervises student teachers and conducts the youth string orchestra.
Dr. Cangro replaces Dr. Trent Hollinger who held the baton for the QAYO for five successful years.
The QAYO will hold auditions for its 2015-2016 season from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 at the Quincy Notre Dame band room. All new and returning members must audition.
QAYO provides students an opportunity to create music together in an orchestra setting as they improve reading and ensemble skills, perform standard orchestral literature and have fun.
QAYO candidates must be in grades 7-12 (qualified sixth graders are welcome) and have at least three years of playing experience. The audition is required to determine proficiency on the student’s instrument and to assign seating within the orchestra. Membership may be limited to maintain a proper balance of instruments in the orchestra. All students are encouraged to use audition material used for state contest or school seating auditions.
Those selected to the QAYO will rehearse from November through March and perform in two concerts: A side-by-side performance with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 at Morrison Theater in Quincy Junior High and at their own spring concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at the Kroc Center. Tuition for the 2015-2016 season will be $60, with payment plans and tuition assistance available to qualified members.
For more information visit qsoa.org or call 217-222-2856.
