Some believe that in today's world, kids have too much. I suppose that is true to some point, but I think the opportunities given to today's youth has its advantages. Take the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) for example. Growing up, I played the flute and my best friend played the clarinet. We were always first or second chair in our respective instruments, however, that's as far as we could go in our school, in our town. We did not have the opportunity to have a musical world opened up to us, but EYSO (eyso.org) does just that for today's youth.
Even though I did not know a lot about Elgin's Youth Symphony Orchestra, this past Sunday I attended a rare faculty performance. It was their 1st Annual EYSO Faculty Recital at Elgin Community College's, ATC Auditorium. I arrived well before the 2 pm start time, however the auditorium was already nicely packed, and I soon learned out why...
The show opened with a trio that consisted of pianists, Randal Swiggum (in his 14th Season as EYSO Artistic Director) and David Anderson (conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra and Director of the EYSO Chamber Music Institute), and on cello, founding conductor of Sinfonia, Daniel Beder performing, "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals. It's amazing where well played music can take you...This piece was so beautifully performed, I could see the swan gliding gracefully over water.
The next piece, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), was performed by David Anderson, Daniel Beder and Andrew Masters. However, before the three began to play, Mr. Swiggum educated the audience on the piece and on Brahms, himself. I know that Swiggum is an accomplished musician, however, I could have listened to him speak all day, and I could feel his passion for music through his teaching. The lesson and the music to this performance were both equally captivating!
The next song was a solo...well, of sorts. Andrew Masters, who is enjoying his first season leading the EYSO Prelude Orchestra, came on to the stage with his viola and said, "...and now for something completely different", and boy, was he right! Mr. Masters tapped a catchy little beat on the viola and recorded it. Then he played the viola, guitar style and recorded that. Now while those two musical beats played, he then added in another layer, then another. Right before our eyes (and ears), there was a man of one, but the many sounds of a symphony! Mixing and layering old world talents with new world technology...very cool.
The enchanting and moving performances continued on with added talents of Tom Vos on the viola (EYSO Communications Director), Beth Mazur Wood on the violin (an EYSO alumna and conductor of the Primo Orchestra) and Jason Flaks, the EYSO Associate Conductor and conductor of the Brass Choir, on the trumpet, and let me say, "WOW"!
The Elgin Youth Symphony, in its 35th season, is well known for its excellent staff, (I can vouch for their individual musical talents! And let me say it again..."WOW"!) and their unique approach for teaching youth. The individual staff members as well as EYSO on a whole have been recognized numerous times over for their many achievements, and is considered the uppermost pre-professional orchestral experience for musicians, ages 9-21, in Chicagoland. And it's all right here in Elgin!
I highly recommend for you to catch an EYSO performance or two. For tickets to any of the concerts, you can call the Elgin Community College box office at 847-622-0300. The next performance dates are 3/18, 4/6, 4/22 and 5/6 of 2012. Come experience for yourself why Elgin's Youth Symphony Orchestra has been named Youth Orchestra of the Year, has received a City of Elgin Image Award and why thousands of people flock to their performances (just like a swan) from the Fox Valley and beyond!
Even though I did not know a lot about Elgin's Youth Symphony Orchestra, this past Sunday I attended a rare faculty performance. It was their 1st Annual EYSO Faculty Recital at Elgin Community College's, ATC Auditorium. I arrived well before the 2 pm start time, however the auditorium was already nicely packed, and I soon learned out why...
The show opened with a trio that consisted of pianists, Randal Swiggum (in his 14th Season as EYSO Artistic Director) and David Anderson (conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra and Director of the EYSO Chamber Music Institute), and on cello, founding conductor of Sinfonia, Daniel Beder performing, "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals. It's amazing where well played music can take you...This piece was so beautifully performed, I could see the swan gliding gracefully over water.
The next piece, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), was performed by David Anderson, Daniel Beder and Andrew Masters. However, before the three began to play, Mr. Swiggum educated the audience on the piece and on Brahms, himself. I know that Swiggum is an accomplished musician, however, I could have listened to him speak all day, and I could feel his passion for music through his teaching. The lesson and the music to this performance were both equally captivating!
The next song was a solo...well, of sorts. Andrew Masters, who is enjoying his first season leading the EYSO Prelude Orchestra, came on to the stage with his viola and said, "...and now for something completely different", and boy, was he right! Mr. Masters tapped a catchy little beat on the viola and recorded it. Then he played the viola, guitar style and recorded that. Now while those two musical beats played, he then added in another layer, then another. Right before our eyes (and ears), there was a man of one, but the many sounds of a symphony! Mixing and layering old world talents with new world technology...very cool.
The enchanting and moving performances continued on with added talents of Tom Vos on the viola (EYSO Communications Director), Beth Mazur Wood on the violin (an EYSO alumna and conductor of the Primo Orchestra) and Jason Flaks, the EYSO Associate Conductor and conductor of the Brass Choir, on the trumpet, and let me say, "WOW"!
The Elgin Youth Symphony, in its 35th season, is well known for its excellent staff, (I can vouch for their individual musical talents! And let me say it again..."WOW"!) and their unique approach for teaching youth. The individual staff members as well as EYSO on a whole have been recognized numerous times over for their many achievements, and is considered the uppermost pre-professional orchestral experience for musicians, ages 9-21, in Chicagoland. And it's all right here in Elgin!
I highly recommend for you to catch an EYSO performance or two. For tickets to any of the concerts, you can call the Elgin Community College box office at 847-622-0300. The next performance dates are 3/18, 4/6, 4/22 and 5/6 of 2012. Come experience for yourself why Elgin's Youth Symphony Orchestra has been named Youth Orchestra of the Year, has received a City of Elgin Image Award and why thousands of people flock to their performances (just like a swan) from the Fox Valley and beyond!
