On, May 13, the East County Youth Symphony held the last concert of the 2014/2015 cycle at the Joan B. Kroc Center for their many talented musicians—from very little, to very advanced. The evening began with the presentation of Certifications of Recognition from the Office of Sen. Joel Anderson to ECYS volunteers, and musicians of ten or more concerts with the symphony.
On, May 13, the East County Youth Symphony held the last concert of the 2014/2015 cycle at the Joan B. Kroc Center for their many talented musicians—from very little, to very advanced. The evening began with the presentation of Certifications of Recognition from the Office of Sen. Joel Anderson to ECYS volunteers, and musicians of ten or more concerts with the symphony.
The Pre-Orchestra Division musicians, ages 5-10, led off the concert with string instrumentals, of which was “Ode to Joy” and “Old MacDonald.” These students are at the start line of what will hopefully become a long, joyful relationship with the arts and orchestra. They showed signs of it, taking the stage without trepidation and enthusiastically following instructors Shelley Best, Kirsten Smith and Stesha Kahan.
Led by Instructor Kaitlyn Geviss, the Gamma Strings and Beta Strings performers were next, with a few advanced musicians joining them. Gamma Strings and Beta Strings played violin, as well as viola, bass and cello.
Lastly, the Advanced Division Musicians at East County Youth Symphony took the stage with relaxed purpose, they dress uniformly in all black, and their bodies are in harmony with the music they make. Calm composure and intention make these older “kids” seem like adults, their spines are straight, their notes executed in what seems to be an effortless attempt, though there is no doubt to the listener that these young musicians have spent hours tirelessly practicing their craft, with performance music undoubtedly in the future of most, if not all of them.
Small child to young adult, the students being trained at East County Youth Symphony smiled with pride in themselves, as pleasant to see, as it is to hear. The value of this program goes beyond creating a love for the arts and awakening the mind to the benefits of learning music. ECYS is not exclusionary. Any child who loves music wants to play it can audition and learn at ECYS.
“ECYS is able to offer their program tuition free, which is wonderful because it allows everyone to participate and have this experience with music. Usually, it would only be reserved for those who could afford it,” said Coreen Jacobson, mother of two ECYS students. “It is wonderful that kids so young get to work together with violins, violas, cellos and bass. They sound fantastic.”
Ashley Bever is mom to grade schooler Blake, who has been involved with ECYS for four years, doing fall, spring, and one summer session. “She loves it socially and it has put a natural love of music in her. I’m not sure what she’ll do with it, but I know it is something she does independently and I think it’s a huge stress reliever, too,” Bever said.
ECYS’s next concert will be on Saturday, July 25th at the Helix CHS Theater at 7:00 p.m. To learn more about ECYS. log onto www.ecysymphony.com.
