Donate to NOTES 2023 today!

Hi!

My name is Ryan Wang, and I play clarinet for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras. This is my second and final year in Youth Symphony, the capstone ensemble of EYSO.

EYSO has been such an incredible experience. It's such a passionate environment for music-making, and my colleagues in Youth Symphony are so supportive of each other. During our Sunday evening rehearsals, we study challenging repertoire that has included Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony, Elgar's Enigma Variations, and Respighi's Pines of Rome. We don't forget to have fun either, laughing over Mr. Sheppard's jokes and the one music stand that always sinks, no matter what.

I'm beyond grateful for the opportunities I've received through EYSO. Being a clarinetist in an orchestra often requires purchasing additional instruments that can cost thousands of dollars. I've been fortunate enough to play both an A clarinet and bass clarinet for free, which is only one example of how much the staff at EYSO cares about providing the best musical experience possible.

Unfortunately, tuition only covers one-third of the total cost of participating in EYSO. Your tax-deductible donation will help nearly 400 musicians like myself continue to experience the EYSO difference: a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and the lives of their families, schools, communities, and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.

In addition to offsetting the cost of tuition, the generosity of people like you also helps to:

• Provide a more diverse repertoire of music
• Support guest coaches and conductors who are leaders in the field of music education
• Allow EYSO to have a broader reach by offering innovative community programs and initiatives

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for supporting EYSO!

Ryan Wang