About

Mission

The mission of SOGO is to provide a challenging, fully integrated music experience for the young musician that includes orchestra and ensemble performances, music education and a broad spectrum of music-related activities.

Values

Values and principles that guide us in our actions:

Share music with the whole community
Take courage, make mistakes, learn from them
Laugh often, have fun
Appreciate diversity, listen and learn from each other
Collaborate
Physical and emotional safety for all members

Vision

High quality music education is accessible to all students in the South Sound area, strengthening the artistic vitality of our community.

All students have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential through participation in excellent ensemble programs.
SOGO welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and communities.
SOGO is seen as a resource and support for music education throughout the community.
SOGO graduates have a strong foundation of musical literacy and contribute to the artistic vitality of their communities, wherever they live, throughout their lives.

History

In August of 2000 two ambitious local high school music students, with the help of other young musicians, their families and music teachers, created SOGO. Ample energy and a fresh vision for building a student-led organization make SOGO unique. The first season, two orchestras were created and performed three concerts each. Other performances included the sold-out SOGO HO HO Brass Choir holiday concert, a free-to-the-public Messiah Sing-Along, a Children’s Concert tour to local schools, and small ensembles performing at the spring Arts Walk in downtown Olympia.

Over 20 years later, SOGO has 180 young musicians from over 30 different schools in four counties. The concert season includes three performances in the Washington Center, two holiday events, and the Instrument Petting Zoo during the annual Olympia Spring Arts Walk. SOGO members are involved in weekly full orchestra rehearsals including string and wind ensembles, brass choir, sectionals, music history, and theory.

Program

SOGO features a comprehensive and sequential program designed to help students develop the foundations for good orchestral playing. Music is selected from the standard orchestral repertoire, representing various genres, cultures, and historical periods. These selections generally increase in difficulty as the season progresses. Using this quality literature, we focus on technique, rhythm, intonation, ensemble listening skills, sight-reading, and musical artistry.

SOGO regularly collaborates with other arts organizations in the community, such as Ballet Northwest, the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Olympia Youth Chorus, and others. Through these experiences, students have the opportunity to perform larger artistic works and meet other talented youth from the community.

SOGO Board

Board Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month.

SOGO encourages student, parent and community participation in our board meetings. If you have a specific issue that you would like to address the board, please contact SOGO to make arrangements.