“As a fundraiser, it’s something the kids do for themselves,” said Symphony Executive Director Lou Ross. “It’s also a fun and intensive evening as the musicians practice and rehearse with groups.”
Ross is glad the youth programs continue to grow. It’s especially important for students who are homeschooled or are in schools without programs.
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The youth symphony serves roughly 38 schools in six counties.
The youth programs tuition fee only covers about 35 percent of the cost, so events like this help make up for the gap through earned pledges.
Along with playing, special learning sessions led by instructors and professional musicians. Symphony Music Director and Conductor Peter Stafford Wilson does a session on conducting and other topics including audition prep, sound and improvisation.
The night will end with a sight reading of music.
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While not a public event, Ross said anyone interested in experiencing what the young musicians do can so by checking in first.
“We’d be happy to accommodate people. We’d first need them to contact us ahead of time to make sure we know they’re coming,” he said.
Make arrangements to attend at 937-325-8100. To arrange a pledge, go to http://www.springfieldsym.org/event/syoscc-play-a-thon/
Anyone interested in seeing the Youth Symphony in concert, its next show will be 7 p.m. March 19 at the John Legend Theater.
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