End with a Bang – and then Keep Going

All six of GTCYS’ orchestras resonated in our Spring Festival concert on May 2 at Orchestra Hall. The young string musicians in Philharmonia started the concert with settings by Papini and Verdi. Sinfonia, Concertino, Concert and Philharmonic performed with verve and commitment. Near the concert’s end, the Symphony blazed through De Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat, and then all 400-plus GTCYS musicians delivered a heartfelt rendering of “Jupiter” from Holst’s The Planets. This truly was the best Festival concert in recent years – and our success is the result of a lot of hard work and focused effort on the part of our students, staff, and conductors. This effort deserves a closer look.

GTCYS has been on a growth track for several years. Increased enrollment means more good players, and the positive buzz accompanying our growth impacts kids’ playing in a positive way. But it’s more than that. Being a student-centered program means holding young musicians to high standards. Even though presenting the Holst en-masse posed the logistical challenge of having musicians of all abilities spread throughout Orchestra Hall, I chose to begin the lyrical chorale portion with small gestures befitting the music’s character. I also insisted repeatedly on an intimate sound in rehearsal, despite the massive forces and the varying artistic abilities of the performers. The students rose to the occasion and played with striking unified musical expression, capping off a year of unparalleled musical growth and artistic achievement.

Next season promises to be even better. The kids are waiting to hear the results of their recent auditions. When they receive their placement letters, some students will be thrilled, while others will question why they didn’t fare better. At GTCYS, we believe in our kids’ potential for excellence. If a student is ready to shoot for it in the group of his or her dreams, that’s outstanding. If students are not ready to move up yet, they should commit to being the best leaders possible in whatever ensemble they’re placed – and aspire to excel in all respects. Because next season’s program will reach even higher.