About New River Youth Symphony & Chorus (NRYSC)
Our History
In June 2006 our first rehearsal took place, with 14 students in the Symphony. Six months later, at our December 2006 Winter Concert, 30 students performed in the Symphony and 27 students in the Chorus. This year we are celebrating our 20th year!
The New River Youth Symphony and Chorus is here today because of the need in Southern West Virginia for a place where talented young people can learn and grow under the direction of professional musicians who have a personal commitment to excellence.
The New River Youth Symphony and Chorus is a 501(c)(3)-approved, tax-exempt organization, which means contributions and gifts are tax deductible.
Our Directors
William Bailey, the conductor of the New River Youth Symphony, has many years of experience in working with young people in the public schools. His artistic leadership enables the students to take on challenging music and play with confidence. Mr. Bailey received a master’s degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado, where he studied trumpet under Mr. Bill Pfund. He enjoys arranging and composing and has performed in various orchestras, jazz ensembles, and brass ensembles.
This season the Youth Chorus will be directed by Lauren Hicks. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education (Pre‑K–Adult) and is a West Virginia–certified music educator with over 12 years of service in Raleigh County Schools. She has taught General Music, Choir, Piano, and Theater. Lauren emphasizes developing musicianship, creativity, and confidence through performance, vocal study, movement, and composition.
Emerging Strings is directed by Perri Kiser. She is an active teacher and performer, with a passion for communal music-making. Perri has taught music in various settings, including group violin, preschool music, and as a graduate teaching associate for the violin studio throughout graduate school. Perri currently owns and operates a private teaching studio, Leander Music Academy.
Perri received two master’s degrees in string pedagogy and violin performance from Ohio State University, as well as two undergraduate music degrees from Liberty University.
Our Board of Directors
Serving on our Board of Directors are our music directors and our officers, Kathy Bailey, Secretary/Treasurer, Crystal Bennett, Marketing Director, and John Mudcat Peters and Debbie Peters, Members at Large.
Concerts
A list of the concerts that the New River Youth Symphony & Chorus has done can be found here.
Check out our past concerts
Weekly Rehearsals
The New River Youth Symphony and Chorus meet for back-to-back rehearsals on the same night of the week, in order to allow students the opportunity to participate in both groups without conflict and with a commitment of only one night per week.
There are two seasons during the year. The fall season is September through early December. The spring season is March through May. There are no rehearsals during the winter months, in order to avoid icy road conditions. At the conclusion of each season, concerts are held in locations throughout Southern West Virginia.
New students may audition at the beginning of any season.
Contact Us
Contact NRYSC via one of the following.
P.O. Box 177
Fayetteville, WV 25840
Directions to Faith Baptist Church
480 Prosperity Road
Prosperity, WV 25909
Going south from Crossroads Mall, go to the light at Prosperity Road, turn right, and go one mile. The church will be on your left.
Going north from Golden Corral in Beckley, go two miles to the green water tower at Prosperity Road, turn left, and go one mile. The church will be on your right.
Directions to Fayetteville Christ Fellowship Church
2855 Maple Avenue
Fayetteville, WV 25840
From the South (Beckley) on Route 19, at the stoplight after the Lochgelly Oak Hill exit, just past the Fayette Square shopping center, turn right onto Appalachian Drive. Go one block to the stop sign, turn left onto Route 16, go 0.3 mile, and turn left (up the hill) onto Maple Avenue, also known as Airport Road or Nickelville Road. The first driveway on the right is Fayetteville Christ Fellowship Church. You will see the red roof as you get close.
From the North (Summersville) on Route 19, not far past the Fayetteville Walmart on your left, at the stoplight before the Fayette Square shopping center on your right, turn left onto Appalachian Drive. Go one block to the stop sign, turn left onto Route 16, go 0.3 mile, and turn left (up the hill) onto Maple Avenue, also known as Airport Road or Nickelville Road. The first driveway on the right is Fayetteville Christ Fellowship Church. You will see the red roof as you get close.