CYMO at National Youth Orchestra Festival 2002, Sarasota, FL

Last night CYMO performed for the members of the other orchestras. To get be able to rehearse, the kids had an early dinner and then had 45 minutes to rehearse. I could already hear an improvement with just three days working with their coaches. Last night CYMO performed for the members of the other orchestras. To get be able to rehearse, the kids had an early dinner and then had 45 minutes to rehearse. I could already hear an improvement with just three days working with their coaches.
The Omaha Youth Symphony played first the Hanson Symphony #3, the Romantic. They the Pittsburgh Youth Orchestra played Beethoven's 2nd Symphony. We didn't get to hear them since we were on next. The orchestra played the Borodin VERY well, and the audience was on its feet cheering and screaming. Margaret Otis' horn solo was wonderful. When CYMO played the Ginastera the members of the other orchestras who were in the audience were a bit restless, and a few of the were talking. As the piece progressed, they fell silent. After it ended, the audience remained in stunned silence for a few moments before jumping to their feet cheering.
After the performance, the chaperones had organized a pizza reception for the CYMO members. They consumed 32 pizzas in minutes. Today the festival conductors told Roger how very well they played together and how well they had interpreted the music. They were especially impressed with the second movement of the Borodin since it is so difficult, and they had done so well. The percussion coach also was very impressed the with performance.
Tonight's performance was by the Houston Youth Orchestra, the Louisville Youth Orchestra, and the Florida Youth Orchestra. Delta Airlines sent Kent Otis' fanny pack to him. He had left it on the plane. Janet Samuel got her glasses. She had left them in the Mexican Restaurant. The Fabian Cymbal Co. gave each orchestra a set of cymbals.
Tomorrow night there is a chamber music concert. About 12-15 CYMO members were invited to participate. Some of the CYMO members participating are Matt Harwich and Greg Nielsen in a brass ensemble. Laura Hendrickson and Brady Fukumoto will be in an ensemble. And David Meyer, CYMO principal cellist, and Alex Li, CYMO concertmaster, will be premiering a piece with an ensemble. Tomorrow there is an outing to the Ringling Circus Museum and the beach.

Wednesday, June 27, 2002