NOTES 2024: Youth Symphony

Hi!

I want to tell you about my time at EYSO and how much it has impacted my life. I’ve only been a part of the organization for a year, but I have experienced an immense amount of growth and love during my short time here. Yes, it does take me about an hour drive there and an hour drive back home every week. But during that drive, I think about my friends that I’ll get to see and the teachers that care if I’m there every week. Mr. Sheppard has known of me since before my time in his orchestra. Last year I was always hearing about how he would ask about how I was doing. I felt seen by a music teacher I had only met once. Being in the orchestra now, I feel heard and cared about by every single member of the staff and sometimes that is hard to find. Typically, school bands and other orchestras will have set chairs and parts for students so that they all know who’s the best and who’s the worst. Personally, I think there are many things wrong with this method. Thanks to EYSO, I have experienced a way of placing students strategically in order for everyone to learn. I have issues with my technical skills on the clarinet, so I’m always paired with someone that’s an amazing technician. I also love this method because everyone gets a chance to be a principal player or even play a new instrument. The overall sound of EYSO isn’t simply good, it’s full of love and a roundness that only comes from the passion of every single member. When we play together, it’s not just about the music on the pages, it’s about all of us coming together to do something that makes us feel loved and a sense of togetherness. Please consider donating to our organization so that they can continue harnessing the passion of other young musicians in a loving and beautiful environment.

Thanks!