Spotlight
on Soloists
Two Youth Orchestra members take center stage
By COLLEEN JOHNSON
cjohnson@dnj.com
278-5153
The Daily News Journal
 "A
man who wants to lead an orchestra must turn his back on the crowd,"
reads a hand-written quote on the door of Kyle Hayes' practice room
in the Siegel High School band room.
"I have my own practice room," said Kyle, a senior. "It
has pictures and stuff in it, too, because I live in there."
Kyle, who will play a solo piece in Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra's
May 2 concert, has certainly had to seclude himself from the crowd
to become such an accomplished French horn player in just three
years.
No one ever has to tell Kyle to practice an instrument, because
he just loves to do it. The same goes for Elizabeth Gassler, a cello
player and fellow member of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.
 Both
Kyle and Elizabeth will perform solos one week from today during
the MYO's final concert of the season, "Creative Awakenings:
Blending Visions."
The show, which also includes the Preparatory Strings Orchestra,
is set for 7 p.m. May 2 in Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building
at MTSU. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students, and tickets
can be purchased at the door or by calling 849-3803.
The MYO is comprised of about 100 kids from 10 surrounding counties
and 26 local schools. Members must audition to join, and both Kyle
and Elizabeth say the rewards extend well beyond musical training.
"Being in the orchestra has taught me how to be a team player,
and not just being concerned with myself and my schedule, but with
the others around me," explained Elizabeth, a fifth-year member.
"I learned that you can't just blow off a rehearsal because
it hurts the whole group."
Seven years ago, after Elizabeth attended a friend's cello recital,
she knew that was the instrument she wanted to play.
"I love the sound that it makes," she said with enthusiasm,
"and how musical and beautiful it is."
For Kyle, deciding on an instrument was not quite as easy. He started
on piano, and then went on to bass clarinet, and now he plays the
French horn.
If he sees an instrument lying around, Kyle said he is likely to
pick it up and start playing.
Kyle and Elizabeth, who both attend different schools, met one
another in the MYO. They became good friends during Governor's School
last summer, and the pair will soon attend Siegel High's prom together.
Next Tuesday, Kyle will play "Horn Concerto No. 1, Richard
Strauss, I, Allegro"; and Elizabeth will play "Allegro
Appassionato" by Camille Saint-Saens.
Those who come to the show can "see prom dates in action,"
said Kyle with a smile.
Fourteen-year-old
to conduct PSO in his own composition |
Laura Reed, who leads the Preparatory
String Orchestra, usually does so with style and grace.
However, when the PSO takes the stage next Tuesday during
the season's final performance, a guest conductor will take
over for one number.
 Garrett
Pinkston, a 14-year-old violinist, will direct "Andante
and Allegro," a piece he recently composed.
"It's a big deal because he figured it all out on his
own," said Reed. "And it is a really good piece
of music."
As Pinkston wrote a musical piece during practice one evening,
he said Reed noticed and told him if he wrote something for
the orchestra, they would play it.
Two months later, it was complete.
"I revised it several times," admitted Garrett.
The PSO is an orchestra for string students with a minimum
of one year of traditional instruction or Suzuki students
at the Book II level. |
In 2001, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students
who perform music scored 57 points higher on the verbal part of
the SAT and 41 points higher on the math portion.
And students taking course work in music appreciation scored 63
points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on the math than students
with no arts participation.
"There is the creativity factor," explained Susan Mullen,
music director for the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra. "(Music
students) think outside the box, and will reach within themselves
for more answers."
A lot of people do not associate the ability to play in an orchestra
with the ability to work in a science laboratory, but "the
link is there," said Mullen.
But music can do much more for the development of a child than
improved test scores. The following is a list of more reasons music
is good for your child, provided by Mullen:
1. All musicians learn discipline.
2. Orchestra players learn how to work in a team.
3. Leading section members learn leadership skills.
4. Playing music engages both sides of the brain.
5. Note reading helps with mathematical skills and counting.
6. Improved dexterity helps with computer skills.
7. Students learn the rewards of dedication.
8. Children can express themselves personally through music.
9. Music can be calming to hyperactive children and adults.
10. Organized music activities are a great way to meet new people
and make new friends.
Originally published April 25, 2006
|
