Skylands youth symphony performs winter concert

Vernon — The Skylands Youth Symphony will launch the 2009-2010 series of performances with its 11th annual Winter Concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, at St. Thomas Church, in Vernon. The symphony and chamber are under the direction of Keely Gould. This year marks her seventh season leading the symphony. She is a graduate of the College of St. Rose and has earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. Gould has performed with the Orange County Music Educators Orchestra, The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra and numerous freelance projects. She is also a private violin instructor and a music educator in Warwick, N.Y. She is a recent recipient of the distinguished music teacher award from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. The Skylands Youth Symphony is made up of musicians from 9 to 18 years old. The group is open to young musicians in the region of Sussex County and Orange County, N.Y. To be eligible to join the youth symphony, one must have studied music for at least two years on a stringed instrument and must be able to read music. An audition is required for all incoming musicians. In addition to performing concerts, the youth symphony has offered music theory classes, music workshops, symphony trips and scholarships. Tickets for the Winter Concert are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. Children under age 10 are free. Tickets will be available at the door. In case inclement weather should force a postponement of the concert, it will be rescheduled to Sunday, Jan. 31. The time and place will remain the same. For concert information, call 973-875-7478.