Children’s Orchestra Society sets up new home base in Syosset



The Community Church of Syosset

The Community Church of Syosset is the new home of the Children’s Orchestra Society.

After 16 months of remote learning, the Children’s Orchestra Society is thrilled to be reopening at its new Syosset location at the Community Church of Syosset, 36 Church Street between Berry Hill Road and Split Rock Road.

In September the Children’s Orchestra Society (C.O.S.) will be performing at the return of the Syosset Street Fair, to be held on Jackson Avenue and Cold Spring Road (north of the Syosset LIRR station) on Sunday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The performance of a couple of musical pieces, will tentatively be scheduled early to mid-afternoon, featuring participation from C.O.S. student musicians. The Syosset Street Fair is free and open to the public. The Children’s Orchestra Society recently became a member nonprofit organization of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, which is the host and organizer of the Street Fair.

The Children’s Orchestra Society (C.O.S.) has also sponsored this year’s Syosset Street Fair at the Gold level. The Community Church of Syosset is also a recent addition as a nonprofit Syosset Woodbury Chamber member.

Russell P. Green, Syosset Woodbury Chamber president and a fellow sponsor for the 2021 Street Fair with his firm RPG Wealth Management, said, “We are very happy to have the Children’s Orchestra Society as a member of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. In addition, we look forward to their participation at our annual Street Fair on September 19, which includes a live performance for the many visitors set to attend that day.”

Syosset Woodbury Chamber Board member and Street Fair Committee Chairperson Alan Goldberg stated, “In early July I had the honor of speaking with Yeou-Cheng Ma, the Children’s Orchestra Society executive director, and we had a very enlightening conversation as they joined the Chamber of Commerce and signed up for a Gold level Street Fair Sponsorship. After watching and listening to a couple of their YouTube videos, how could I not invite them to perform a couple of pieces!”

In 1962 the C.O.S. was founded by Dr. H.T. Ma and it is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to “Teaching Children the Language of Music.” Past C.O.S. performances have taken place at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Sylvia & Danny Kaye Theater of Hunter College, and tours have included Boston, Denver, San Francisco, St. Louis, Washington D.C.; Toronto, London, Edinburgh, Taiwan, the Philippines, and China. More information on Children’s Orchestra Society programs and highlights is available at childrensorch.org

Now in its 53rd year, C.O.S. offers music classes and performing opportunities to children from beginning through advanced levels in a challenging yet supportive environment.  Recitals are scheduled regularly throughout the calendar year to sharpen the children’s skills and develop their confidence to perform in public. The C.O.S. orchestral program is designed to allow all levels (ages 5-18) to enjoy the ultimate experience of playing in a big ensemble.  In order to realize this inclusive vision, C.O.S. has four orchestras, all organized by ability level.

Ear-training & musicianship classes range from beginning to preparation for composition, and conducting. Each family of instruments is featured in a dedicated group: the Elite String Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Mallets and Bars for beginning percussionists.

Artistic/Music Director & principal conductor Michael Dadap, who has led C.O.S.’s music instruction since 1984, says, “Music must be a part of every child’s experience as they are growing up. It helps them gain confidence, nurture their intelligence, and develop social skills at an early age. Music gives them a solid stepping-stone for success in life.”

In an interview in late July, Executive Director Yeou-Cheng Ma, daughter of C.O.S. founder Dr. H.T. Ma, explained: “A unique aspect of COS is its child-centered philosophy, which tailors its teachings to each child’s temperament and learning style.”

She noted that in addition to the traditional orchestral and chamber music training, C.O.S. innovates by the music literacy learning for three to five-year-olds; musicianship, and private lessons offered to students.

“Children’s Orchestra Society brought 51 performers and their family members on a trip to China with a three-city tour. In 2018 we participated in the Big Apple Music Festival at Queens College. With gentle encouragement and guidance from faculty members, Children’s Orchestra Society graduates continue their education at excellent colleges, universities and conservatories and pursue many different careers while enjoying a heightened appreciation for music and other fine arts. Notable C.O.S. alumni include Yo-Yo Ma, Astrid Schween (cellist of the Juilliard Quartet); Antony Rudel (station manager at WCRB-FM / WGBH); Rabbi Shira Stern, and Caroline Kennedy,” Yeou-Cheng Ma said.

Prestigious awards earned by C.O.S. graduates include the Avery Fisher Prize, the Naumburg Awards and the Young Artist International Award.

C.O.S. receives support of the Reginald Lewis Foundation, the Herbert Wolfe Foundation, the David Aronow Foundation, the Franklin Family Foundation, and sponsorship from the Kolstein Music Company.

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