ABOUT CVYS

The mission of the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony is to provide a unique opportunity for area youth to develop and showcase their artistry in the symphonic tradition and to enhance their lives and the cultural environment of the communities they live.

The Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony is celebrating its 30th season!

HISTORY

The Youth Symphony is an auditioned music group drawing students, grades 7-12, from a 50 mile radius. This full symphonic orchestra is comprised of students in public, private and home school academic settings. The Youth Symphony plays challenging music and seeks highly motivated young musicians who enjoy music performance. The Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony accepts applicants based on their musical ability, without regard to sex, race, religion, disability or national origin.

The Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony is a non-profit 501 (C) 3 organization, with an office in the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center. We have a strong partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, whom provides in-kind rehearsal and concert space for our use. In addition, University music majors participate as section leaders. The Chippewa Valley Symphony (CVS) and the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra are also key community partners. Through this coalition of partners, we seek to promote music as an important and enduring art form and to create enriching musical opportunities that nurture the artistic talents of these young musicians.

Dr. Peter Haberman is the current Music Director and conductor of the youth symphony. Dr. Haberman is a conductor, trumpet performer, and music educator who serves as the Director of Bands and Assistant professor of music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches courses in conducting and repertoire, supervises student teachers, and coordinates the UW-EC band program.  Prior to his appointment at UW-Eau Claire, Dr. Haberman held a similar position as Director of Bands at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

Preceding his college teaching career, Dr. Haberman spent several years teaching at the Mercer Island School District in Washington and the Maple Lake School District in Minnesota.  He is honored to be the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award and the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Teaching at Mercer Island, and the Maple Lake Employee of the Year Award.

A native of Minnesota, he has earned degrees from Concordia College, the University of Montana, and the University of Minnesota where he completed a Doctor of Music Arts in conducting.  Dr. Haberman maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician across the United States.  He is also an active trumpet performer and educator; he currently freelances and is a member of the UW-EC Faculty Brass Quintet.  Dr. Haberman lives in Eau Claire with his wife Erika Tomten and their daughter Claire.

The youth symphony has a Board of Directors and utilizes University student interns to assist with office duties. Office hours may vary based on intern schedules.

Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony Conductors

Peter Haberman - current

Eugene Power – 2006-2010

Ivar Lunde - 1980-2005