On Sunday, April 26, the Young Artists Philharmonic came together to play in a concert at the First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich. This was special because 44 student musicians took the stage. This performance was as much about community as it was about music.
The afternoon featured four ensembles, and each brought out a different part of the program. Starting up the concert was the Young Artists Flute Choir, led by Sharon Levin, who performed “O Susanna,” in addition to other selections which highlighted the range of the group. Following the Flute Choir was the Young Strings Ensemble, under the direction of Darwin Shen. They performed a variety of enjoyable pieces with the memorable one being “Steve’s Lava Chicken,” an immensely popular song among students in years past.
Next up on the program were the chamber ensembles, which were small groups of two to three students. They brought a closer view of the musicians’ work and talent. This included an honoring performance of “America the Beautiful,” as well as other selections which brought out the unique intonation and sound of each musician. The concert concluded with the Young Artists Chamber Players, conducted by Benjamin Grow, performing three pieces that showed the ensemble’s maturity, particularly during the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana. This piece was largely played without Benjamin Grow conducting who was accompanying on piano. This piece challenged the group to achieve a level of cohesiveness which took a lot of hard work and dedication.
This performance also carried a larger meaning, as it was meant to honor the upcoming 250 year anniversary of the United States of America, coming up on July 4th this year.
Behind the performances were many weeks of preparation. The students rehearse every Sunday for an hour and a half, and practice balancing school, sports, and other commitments, achieving great amounts of discipline required to advance further as a musician. But what they gain is much more than just technique. They learn how to listen to one another, how to lead when appropriate, and when to follow. They learn how to contribute to something bigger than themselves. Orchestra is something that teaches lessons beyond the instrument. It teaches lessons that can be applied to your everyday life.
Looking within ourselves, we know that technology is slowly starting to take over our life and consume our everyday activities. In a time when much of life is fast-paced and driven by technology, experiences like this stand out. It is our responsibility to make sure that music never dies out.
Shifting over to the students, the concert wasn’t just about getting the notes right. While that was a big part of it, it was more about sharing something personal with the audience. For those in attendance, this was a chance to slow down and be a part of that exchange, even if it was just for an hour.
The Young Artists Philharmonic continues to welcome new members of all ability ranges, offering students the opportunity to develop their skills while experiencing the unique power of making music together. As shown by the concert, the impact of that experience reaches far beyond the stage.
As a musician myself at the Young Artists Philharmonic, I can comment on how being part of this ensemble has led me to develop a deeper passion for music. Beyond all the repetition and hard work, the most enjoyable moments are shared with the other members. The jokes shared, the laughter, and the glances at each other when something is funny makes everything extremely enjoyable. The fun that comes with working hard is a priceless thing to be part of. I highly recommend anyone interested in joining to visit our website.