about us
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The Fargo Moorhead Area Youth Symphony, as it was originally named, was founded in 1967 by Loris Tjknavorian, a composer and conductor at Moorhead State University (now Minnesota State University Moorhead). FMAYS was organized to give musically talented senior and junior high school students from the Fargo Moorhead area an opportunity to expand their musical experiences.
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In the mid-1970s, Dewey Possehl, Eunice Pitmon, Jack Harris, and Bruce Houglum reorganized FMAYS. They designed the organization as an addition to middle and high school music education programs in the community. They stressed that players were expected to participate in and retain allegiance to their school instrumental music programs.
In 1993, FMAYS divided into the Junior High Concert Strings for students in grades 6-8, and the Senior High Symphony Orchestra for students grades 9-12. In 2017, Attacca Strings was created as a string orchestra for grades 9-12.
concert strings
ABOUT THE CONCERT STRINGS
Members in the Concert Strings are in grades 6 – 8 who live in the Red River Valley and surrounding areas. Admission to the orchestra is achieved through audition, with both new students and returning members auditioning each calendar year. Students are chosen on the basis of their musical skill, their willingness to make a commitment to the FMAYS program, and the needs of the orchestra. Members are expected to be active in their local instrumental school music programs. The Concert Strings are directed by Brian Cole.
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ATTENDANCE
Rehearsals: Rehearsals for the Concert Strings are held at Minnesota State University Moorhead on Sunday from 5:30 - 7:00pm (unless noted). Each member is expected to attend all rehearsals regularly and to perform in the scheduled concerts. Members of FMAYS are allowed two excused absences each semester. Advance notification must be given to the office. Email fmays@fmays.org for notification of anticipated absence or of an illness.
Dress Rehearsals: Dress rehearsal attendance is mandatory. A dress rehearsal is essentially a performance. Although concert attire is not normally required, a dress rehearsal is a complete run of the concert.
Concert: Concerts are the culmination of a member’s musical preparation, including individual practice time, sectionals, and rehearsals. Members with insufficient attendance at rehearsals may not participate in the concert. Members are responsible for having all essential music at the concert; musicians who cannot perform (due to illness, etc.) must arrange to have their folders and music present at the concert.
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CONCERT ATTIRE
Tops
• Solid black long-sleeve (3/4 length is acceptable)
• Collared shirts should be buttoned to the next-to-last top button.
• For other tops, necklines may be rounded or V-neck, but must not be plunging.
Bottoms
• Solid black dress pants, pantsuit, dress, or skirt that reaches fully down to the ankles (for dress pants and pantsuits) or past the knee (for dresses and skirts). Slits in dresses and skirts are to stay below the knee.
Hosiery/Socks
• Socks and hosiery are to be black.
Footwear
• Black dress shoes: close-toed, flats, or a 1”- 2” heel are acceptable. No clogs, sandals, flip-flops, boots, or platforms.
FEES
The tuition per semester is $150.
Billing statements are sent in September and January. If payments are late, as indicated by the billing statement, an additional $5 per week, up to $10 will be applied.
You may pay tuition on our website, through Venmo, or a check.
Checks may be sent to our office: FMAYS, 808 3rd Ave S, Suite 302, Fargo, ND 58103.
attacca strings
ABOUT ATTACCA STRINGS
FMAYS' newest ensemble, Attacca Strings, is an exciting opportunity for dedicated young musicians to participate in a challenging string orchestra setting. In this capacity, students are given a more exposed role where every performer's musical voice can be heard, and everyone has a chance to be a great leader! Attacca Strings is for strings players in grades 9-12.
Youth are selected for each orchestra through auditions and all youth must audition annually for placement in their respected orchestra. FMAYS’ members are chosen on the basis of musical skill and the needs of the orchestras. A strong commitment to attend all rehearsals is expected. Attacca Strings is directed by Lindsay Schwartz Miiller.
ATTENDANCE
Members are expected to attend all rehearsals. Only absences for legitimate and important reasons will be accepted. Attendance at dress rehearsals is mandatory in order to be able to participate in the concert or scheduled performance.
Advanced notice of any absences must be given by emailing fmays@fmays.org.
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CONCERT ATTIRE
Tops
• Solid black long-sleeve (3/4 length is acceptable)
• Collared shirts should be buttoned to the next-to-last top button.
• For other tops, necklines may be rounded or V-neck, but must not be plunging.
Bottoms
• Solid black dress pants, pantsuit, dress, or skirt that reaches fully down to the ankles (for dress pants and pantsuits) or past the knee (for dresses and skirts). Slits in dresses and skirts are to stay below the knee.
Hosiery/Socks
• Socks and hosiery are to be black.
Footwear
• Black dress shoes: close-toed, flats, or a 1”- 2” heel are acceptable. No clogs, sandals, flip-flops, boots, or platforms.
FEES
The tuition per semester is $150.
Billing statements are sent in September and January. If payments are late, as indicated by the billing statement, an additional $5 per week, up to $10 will be applied.
We accept payment through our website, Venmo, or check.
Tuition checks may be mailed to: FMAYS, 808 3rd Ave S, Suite 302, Fargo ND 58103.
symphony orchestra
ABOUT THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Symphony Orchestra is for high school strings in grades 9 through 12 and woodwind, brass and percussion players in grades 8 through 12. They rehearse on Sundays from 3:30-5:45 PM at the North Dakota State University Challey School of Music.
Youth are selected for each orchestra through auditions and all youth must audition annually for placement in their respective orchestra. FMAYS’ members are chosen on the basis of musical skill and the needs of the orchestras. A strong commitment to attend all rehearsals is expected. The Symphony Orchestra is directed by Brad Lambrecht.
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ATTENDANCE
Members are expected to attend all rehearsals. Only absences for legitimate and important reasons will be accepted. Attendance at dress rehearsals is mandatory in order to be able to participate in the concert or scheduled performance.
Advanced notice of any absences must be given by emailing fmays@fmays.org.
​
CONCERT ATTIRE
Tops
• Solid black long-sleeve (3/4 length is acceptable)
• Collared shirts should be buttoned to the next-to-last top button.
• For other tops, necklines may be rounded or V-neck, but must not be plunging.
Bottoms
• Solid black dress pants, pantsuit, dress, or skirt that reaches fully down to the ankles (for dress pants and pantsuits) or past the knee (for dresses and skirts). Slits in dresses and skirts are to stay below the knee.
Hosiery/Socks
• Socks and hosiery are to be black.
Footwear
• Black dress shoes: close-toed, flats, or a 1”- 2” heel are acceptable. No clogs, sandals, flip-flops, boots, or platforms.
FEES
The tuition per semester is $150.
Billing statements are sent in September and January. If payments are late, as indicated by the billing statement, an additional $5 per week, up to $10 will be applied.
We accept payments through our website, Venmo, and check.
Please send Tuition checks to: FMAYS, 808 3rd Ave S, Suite 302, Fargo ND 58103.