This week is an exciting one for our education department. In addition to the now 4th annual Come and Play, we also have our Side by Side concert, where the students in our top youth orchestra play with the Richmond Symphony. The concert is Friday night at 7pm at the glorious CenterStage, and it’s FREE! You should definitely check out this concert and be inspired by the talented kids
of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. The concert, however, just the tip of the iceburg for this project. All fall, the students have worked intensively with the orchestra members, learning their music and the tricks of the trade.
of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. The concert, however, just the tip of the iceburg for this project. All fall, the students have worked intensively with the orchestra members, learning their music and the tricks of the trade.
Our principal flutist, Hannah, has been involved in this event for several years running. Here are her thoughts:
Many RSYO students are interested in pursuing music as a career. Playing Side-by-Side with the Richmond Symphony players gives us a taste of life in a professional orchestra. We are exposed to the level of mature musicianship that inspires us to improve our technique and artistry. The symphony players take this concert just a seriously as they would any other, and demonstrate appropriate conduct both in full orchestra and sectional rehearsals that inspires us to do the same. We are able to tackle more challenging repertoire for this concert since we are doubling parts with the symphony players. Through the challenge, the students are introduced to new musical concepts that are improved upon through the rehearsal process. While the final product may not be perfect, since the symphony players are supporting us, we are confident in our performance. Many of the symphony players serve as private teachers for RSYO students, and playing alongside them offers a new set of challenges and rewards. For those who do not study privately with the symphony members, the rehearsals present the opportunity to develop relationships with them who help shape us as musicians through this concert. I have been influenced most by the three women in the flute section. They have supported me during my years in RSYO and have encouraged me to continue growing not only as a solo artist, but also as a strong member of the orchestra. They have given me
direct advice about leadership in an orchestra and their presence has motivated me to become a better principal player. Being surrounded by the rich fullness of an orchestra double the size of what we are normally a part of is a privilege I look forward to every year. It is rare for a youth orchestra to have the opportunity to rehearse and perform as one with a professional orchestra.
direct advice about leadership in an orchestra and their presence has motivated me to become a better principal player. Being surrounded by the rich fullness of an orchestra double the size of what we are normally a part of is a privilege I look forward to every year. It is rare for a youth orchestra to have the opportunity to rehearse and perform as one with a professional orchestra.
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