Education Matters

In Their Own Words: The Sarasota Youth Orchestras

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

The Sarasota Youth Orchestras offers an unparalleled learning experience for young musicians ages 8 through 21. Over a 30-week season, the musicians play in one of eight different orchestras, according to skill level more than their grade or age level. They have weekly rehearsals and perform numerous public concerts as they learn to play together with unity, passion, and musical precision.

Who better to explain the power of this exciting musical experience than the young musicians themselves?

Sam Powers, 9th grader at Sarasota High School

Sam got involved the way many do—he participated in the summer music camp and liked it enough to audition for the SYO. “I’ve been part of it three years now,” he says, “and I’m still having fun. The directors are passionate about music and really want to help us grow as musicians. They’re able to relate to us and make learning fun.”

Ben Gordon, 10th grader at Pine View School

Ben loves the violin and says, “I joined the Sarasota Youth Orchestras because I really wanted to learn how to play in an orchestra.” He notes that “it’s a really fun and supportive atmosphere where everyone encourages each other and has a great time.”

As far as his own favorite SYO moment, it’s the Side by Side concert in 2018. The first half of that annual concert features student winners in the Edward and Ida Wilkof Young Artists Concerto Competition performing with the Sarasota Orchestra. The second half of the concert features the SO professionals and SYO students—like Ben and others—performing together on the same stage and is a thrill for everyone.

One of the best things about being an SYO member, Ben says, is that “it means improving my violin skills every Monday in a fun, accepting, and unique atmosphere.”

Jeremy Conner, homeschooled 10th grader

“I joined the Sarasota Youth Orchestras because I plan to become a professional trombonist and I needed an awesome orchestra to play in,” Jeremy says. What he likes most about the experience is that “the teaching you receive is always top notch.” His favorite moment? “Simply receiving the chance to play with a professional-level orchestra.” When asked what the SYO means to him, he says, “I love having a chance to play with other serious musicians.”

Marguerite Andrich, 11th grader at Pine View School

“When I first moved to Florida,” Marguerite explains, “I was looking for a way to continue making music after leaving my arts school. I attended the summer camp as a way to make friends, and I absolutely fell in love, so I joined the SYO.” She says that the most important thing for people to understand is that “the SYO is the most supportive, inspiring organization. The staff and students care about you and want to see you grow.” Her favorite experience happened “during my seating audition, when the very kind proctor told me to be more confident and believe in myself. It just reminded my why I love SYO so much.” She notes that she’s “made lifelong friends, grown as an artist, and learned so much about music and life” as a result of being part of the SYO.

Connor Altagen, 12th grader at Harrison School for the Arts

“I joined the SYO to get exposure to major orchestral literature,” says Connor, a trombonist. “It’s hard to say there’s one favorite memory,” he admits, “but one I particularly hold close is the first SYO concert I participated in. The repertoire of that concert was an integral part of my development as a musician and an appreciator of the art form.”

Valerie Van Cleave, 9th grader at Sarasota High School

Valerie wasn’t able to participate in SYO this year because her high school marching band obligations coincided with the SYO Monday night practice schedule. But that changes next year when she’ll audition for the SYO. Though she currently plays trombone for the Mighty Sailor Band, she intends to play baritone in SYO not just because most groups need baritones more than trombones, but also because the baritone has such a brilliant, rich sound that she loves equally as much as that of the trombone. (“Don’t get me wrong!” she insists I add. “I still love my trombone!”)

About the chance to play with the SYO, she says, “I’m so excited about the opportunity. I’m looking forward to connecting with so many other young musicians at other schools. The best of the best play with the SYO. I’m already practicing now for my audition to ensure that I’m ready. I can’t wait to become part of all the amazing things that the SYO groups do.”

Valerie has more to say but can’t talk now—it’s time to get back to music practice again. That type of commitment to an art form is something that Connor, Ben, Marguerite, Jeremy, Sam, and all the SYO members have in common, for sure.

For more information
about the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, please visit
sarasotaorchestra.org/education/youth-orchestra, or call 941.953.3434.