John Koshak

John Koshak--holds some heavy conducting credentials, having studied at Columbia University and the famed Mozarteum in Salzburg. But he decided to make his career primarily teaching young musicians, and he's never regretted it. "I just found that I liked working with young people and I liked the academic environment and I liked teaching and I could still conduct," Koshak said in a recent phone interview from his home in Orange. "It seemed to me the right kind of choice."

John Koshak--holds some heavy conducting credentials, having studied at Columbia University and the famed Mozarteum in Salzburg. But he decided to make his career primarily teaching young musicians, and he's never regretted it. "I just found that I liked working with young people and I liked the academic environment and I liked teaching and I could still conduct," Koshak said in a recent phone interview from his home in Orange. "It seemed to me the right kind of choice."

Resplendent in white tie and tails, John Koshak cuts a fine figure at the podium of the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra. But don't be misled by that gentrified look, because in his 27 years as the group's conductor and musical director, Koshak has labored like a field hand, helping thousands of young people cultivate their musical gifts and, through them, their futures.

Resplendent in white tie and tails, John Koshak cuts a fine figure at the podium of the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra. But don't be misled by that gentrified look, because in his 27 years as the group's conductor and musical director, Koshak has labored like a field hand, helping thousands of young people cultivate their musical gifts and, through them, their futures.

When conductor John Koshak arrived in Orange County in 1971, Chapman University in Orange boasted two instrumental-music students, and the fledgling Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra was tackling high school-level arrangements. Today, the youth group is one of three orchestras based at the university, plays only legitimate symphonic repertory, and has done so in Europe and Asia and at Carnegie Hall.

Southern California musicians are invited to audition for the Chapman University Symphony Orchestra today. Under the direction of professor John Koshak, the orchestra will perform three concerts this academic year, including Leonard Bernstein's overture to "Candide," John Williams' "Star Wars; Suite for Orchestra" and Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring." Auditions will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in Bertea Hall, Room 128, Chapman University, 1 University Drive. Information: (714) 997-6914.

Chapman College music educator and conductor John Koshak has been named chairman of Chapman's music department, one of three appointments recently announced. Koshak will continue as director of orchestral activities and conductor of the Chapman Symphony Orchestra. In addition, composer William Kraft has joined the faculty as composer-in-residence and professor of composition. Barry Silverman has been appointed assistant professor of music and director of Chapman's wind and jazz ensembles.

When conductor John Koshak arrived in Orange County in 1971, Chapman University in Orange boasted two instrumental-music students, and the fledgling Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra was tackling high school-level arrangements. Today, the youth group is one of three orchestras based at the university, plays only legitimate symphonic repertory, and has done so in Europe and Asia and at Carnegie Hall.

Auditions for the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra for the 2000-01 season will take place at Chapman University on Saturday in Bertea Hall, Room 128. The youth symphony orchestra has performed in Orange County for 31 years under the direction of John Koshak, a professor at Chapman University. Musicians in grades 9-12 interested in auditioning must make an appointment. The university is at One University Drive. Information: (714) 827-8606.