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Associate Conductor, CYSO
The energy present at the first rehearsal of the year is palpable. I see the long line of kids jockeying for a chance to find out where they are sitting in the orchestra. I understand their need to find out how well they performed at the seating auditions; but, I am also concerned that this reflects a lack of understanding about how an orchestra functions.
As the kids amble to their appointed places, you can feel the mixture of excitement and trepidation surrounding the launch of the season. Will I enjoy my stand partner(s)? Will I like my section? Will I make any friends? And for those who have not been a part of the organization before, will I like playing in this orchestra at all? These are all questions you can see on their all too readable faces. For most, these questions are answered quite quickly, and almost always yes.
The resonance of the orchestra tuning, the sound of the first phrases, the beauty of the strings and woodwinds, the power of the brass and percussion or the rapid improvement of the ensemble upon rehearsing will enrapture many immediately and throughout the year. Others will need to wait until break time when a budding friendship might arise. Yet for others, it will take the exhilaration of the first concert to get them to love the experience that is the orchestra.
Whatever it is and however long it takes, all the elements of our communal experience are what make the orchestra so exciting to be a part of. The music, the learning, the friendships, and the fun are what make the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras so great.
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