Iris Lawson-Ryan, Violin: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Iris Lawson-Ryan, violin
Vermont Commons

 

VT Youth Orchestra – 1 year

VT Youth Philharmonia –3 years

VT Youth Strings – 2 years

 

 

We have appreciated watching Iris grow up in the VYOA over the last 6 years!

What other activities or sports do you participate in? 

I play varsity volleyball at Vermont Commons School as well as with Vibe Volleyball Club. I am also a student leader in my school’s outdoor education program.

How has the pandemic affected your practice & performance of music or participation in your other activities?

The pandemic provided me with a welcome opportunity to take a step back and focus on my technique. I was able to zoom in on different aspects of my playing, develop them, and then apply them while working on individual solo pieces. I was also able to explore new composers and styles of music through my lessons.

If you know, what do you plan to study in college & how did you make your choice?

I plan on studying Environmental Science in college. For as long as I can remember, I have looked forward to learning more about the natural world around me, and as I’ve started to learn about the human impacts on the natural world, I also started to feel passionate about making a change. I am particularly interested in learning about the conjunction between scientific research and community outreach that is vital to helping mitigate climate change.

Katherine Clougherty, violin: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Katherine Clougherty, violin
South Burlington High

VT Youth Orchestra – 2 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 3 years
VT Youth Strings – 2 years
Presto – 2 sessions

Katherine is another student from our quiet group of violins that all started together in VYS and will graduate this year. It has always been nice to see them arrive together & it brought us comfort to see that again this year when we were able to return to regular full orchestra rehearsals. We have enjoyed having Katherine with us all of these years, traveling to Spain & Portugal, and watching her advance through our orchestras.

 

 

 

What role does music play in your life?       

Music has always played a major role in my life by being the constant thing in everything I love. I’ve studied ballet since I was 5 and part of my love for dance stemmed from the music. I joined the VYOA starting with Presto and the excitement and musical opportunities provided only increased my love for music. My family members are all avid music listeners and every Sunday morning consisted of waking up to VPR classical.

What was your favorite concert as a performer with the VYOA?

My favorite concert was my last concert in VYP when I was concertmaster. We played Phantom of the Opera as our main piece and the enthusiasm and energy created from such a strong piece loved by everyone in the orchestra made that concert my favorite concert we ever performed.

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

My favorite memory is still going to Spain and Portugal with the VYOA the summer before by sophomore year. This was an amazing opportunity to be able to play with VYO even though I was still in VYP at the time. Not only was the playing inspirational but traveling with friends and making tons of memories with new people was one of my favorite moments in my many years part of the VYOA.

If you know, what do you plan to study in college & how did you make your choice?

I plan to go to UVM next year and major in Biochemistry. I made this choice because of my growing interest in the medical field over the past few years. I hope to continue my love of music in the orchestra at UVM as well.

 

Melissa Rosowsky, violin: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Melissa Rosowsky, violin
South Burlington High

VT Youth Orchestra – 2 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 3 years
VT Youth Strings – 2 ½ years
Presto – 2 sessions

 

When we think of Melissa we often think of her as a member of a quiet group of violin players that started in VT Youth Strings together (trying to get them to yell “Hey” in Stomp and Fiddle took a lot of coaxing) and have moved through the orchestras together, dressing up as M&Ms for Halloween, and traveling to Spain and Portugal on tour in 2019. As performing musicians we have even had the privilege of performing with her from the pit orchestras of her school musicals while she has been on stage for shows such as Oliver and Beauty and the Beast.  It has been a delight to watch Melissa grow up over the last seven years and we are excited to see where life takes her!

 

 

 

 

 

What role does music play in your life?       

Music is an enormous part of my life. I grew up standing on tables singing songs in made-up languages or performing violin concerts for collections of Beanie Boo stuffed animals. As I got older, music started to become almost everything in my life, and bordered on feeling stressful and discouraging. I picked up more hobbies, like tennis, and music became more of an escape from my often hectic day-to-day life. I now look forward to any opportunity to play or perform, and I hope to keep it in my life forever.

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

It’s almost impossible for me to pick a favorite VYOA memory because it’s been part of my life for so long. A recent one that comes to mind was Casino Night at Reveille this past summer, singing karaoke with my friends and playing seemingly endless games of Cup Pong. VYO has given me so many opportunities to develop and strengthen friendships, from the days of turning Mia into a mummy in Presto to traveling to Spain and Portugal in 2019 to summer days eating lunch on the stairs across from Elley-Long.

If you know, what do you plan to study in college & how did you make your choice?

I am studying astrophysics in college (physics applications in astronomy). Along with the majority of kids my age, I wanted to be an astronaut when I was very young. As I got older, I learned about astrophysics and how my love of mathematics and physical sciences could be combined with my childhood dreams. In high school I began to read astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology, and even astrobiology books and taught myself everything I could. I realized that studying space was realistic, and decided I wanted to pursue it in the future. Now I have been accepted to several schools with incredible observational astronomy resources, such as the University of Hawaii at Manoa, so I have a big decision ahead of me! I look forward to seeing what my higher education holds.

Logan Crocker, flute & piccolo: 2022 Senior Soloist

Logan Crocker, flute & piccolo
Colchester High
VT Youth Orchestra – 2 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 1 year

Logan was our Fall VYO Concert Senior Soloist and will be performing on the Hermance Prize Recital on Wednesday, April 13, along with this year’s other Senior Soloists. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow into the musician that you can hear in the last two years of VYO concert recordings . If you hear the piccolo, that’s Logan!

 

Why do you like your instrument & how did you choose it?

I chose the flute when I was in 5th grade when we had the option to learn an instrument. I don’t remember the exact reason why it chose it, but it always stood out to me. I love the flute because of the different voices it has and how you can change it depending on tone and vibrato. This gives me the opportunity to explore and learn new thing about the flute, while also challenging me.

What has been your biggest musical challenge & how did you overcome it?

My confidence has always been a challenge for me. When I was younger I would get really nervous playing in front of anyone. Auditions and recitals would be hard for me and it was discouraging. However, with the more experiences I had with performing and taking auditions, I became more confident in myself and my playing ability.

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

My favorite VYOA memory is when I had the opportunity to perform the first movement of Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G major with the VYO at Spruce Peak. It was a great growth experience for me and helped me become a more confident musician.

If you know, what do you plan to study in college & how did you make your choice?

I plan on studying flute performance in college. Although I don’t know where I will be attending yet, I have been accepted into the Jacobs School of Music and other programs. I’ve know I wanted to do something with music since 8th grade, but it wasn’t till my sophomore year when I knew I wanted to go for flute performance. Music has always been an important part of my life and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

James Bialas, trombone: 2022 Senior Spotlight

James Bialas, trombone
South Burlington High

 

VT Youth Orchestra – 3 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 2 years

 

This marks the end of our Bialas era! We have been so lucky to have the Bialas siblings and extended family with us over the last ten years. James has been an integral part of our low brass section since he joined VT Youth Philharmonia 5 years ago, sometimes holding down the section as the only trombone player! We have enjoyed his diligence and musicianship every year.

 

 

 

 

 

Why do you like your instrument & how did you choose it?

When I was younger I went to VYO concerts to watch my cousin perform. I would always be captivated by the brass instruments, how they could sound both so powerful and so soothing. I chose the trombone in 6th grade because it was unique. It not only looked and sounded cool, but you could play some cool effects using the slide that no other brass instrument could do.

What was your favorite concert as a performer with the VYOA?

My favorite concert with the VYOA was my first OrchestraPalooza concert. Performing at the Flynn had been something I had been looking forward to since joining the VYOA, and the atmosphere both in the Flynn and around it made it so much more special than a normal concert.

If you know, what do you plan to study in college & how did you make your choice?

I am planning to study computer science in college. I have always been very interested in computers and how they work. I have also been involved in many tech-oriented experiences and projects over the years that have pushed me towards computer science, such as training to be a lighting engineer and even coding my own Flappy Bird game that could be played on a smartphone. I also hope to continue my musical career by playing and performing with ensembles at college and possibly selecting a music minor.

Fintan Letzelter, Violin: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Fintan Letzelter, violin
Lake Region Union

VT Youth Orchestra – 3 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 2 years
VT Youth Strings – 2 ½ years

Fintan comes from a long line of VYOA alums that include his mom and two older siblings! We are always impressed with the students who travel from a long distance each week, especially once the students start driving themselves. Fintan was one of our senior speakers at our December OrchestraPalooza concert and inspired us with his words of how music can connect all of us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What role does music play in your life?        

Increasingly, music has become something I do for enjoyment, a contrast to how I used to hate practicing. I see practicing as something to do in free time, a way to relax and not think about outside stress. I’m able to appreciate music more and more as I grow older.

Who is your favorite composer?

I love Debussy’s piano compositions. His pieces are emotional in a way that I haven’t heard from other composers.

What other activities or sports do you participate in?

I run cross-country, indoor and outdoor track, and have played golf since I was a kid. I also am part of my school’s theatre program.

Christopher Bialas, Horn: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Christopher Bialas, horn
South Burlington High School

VT Youth Orchestra – 3 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 2 years

We have been really fortunate to have had Christopher playing horn with us for that last 5 years! That is about the maximum number of years that we get to have any brass players since they start playing their instruments at a later age than string players. Christopher is a member of a musical family – his siblings and a cousin have all been a part of the VYOA. We have greatly appreciated his musical contributions as well as his easy going nature and dependability!

 

 

 

 

 

Why do you like your instrument & how did you choose it?

I like the French horn because it is the most stunning instrument in the orchestra, and I like playing really strong and brassy melodies. I chose it because it looked so cool and complicated with many shiny tubes everywhere. Having learned to play the French horn has really made me see music in a different way.

Who is your favorite composer?

Mahler is my favorite composer because he always writes such powerful melodies for horns and I love playing his music. I got to play the first movement of Mahler’s second symphony with the VYO, and that is my favorite piece I have played.

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

My favorite VYOA memory was finding out that I had made it into VYP, as my VYP audition was one of the first auditions I had ever done. I wasn’t sure that I would even make VYP, but it turns out that I was better than I thought I was!

Vermont Youth Orchestra Quartet performs at a candlelight vigil as Governor Phil Scott Signs Ukrainian Aid Bill

Montpelier, Vt. – At a candlelight vigil Tuesday, Governor Phil Scott signed H.717, An act relating to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine and announced more than $640,000 of aid will go to Save the Children, a humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting children around the globe.

“We are here today to send a message to the people of Ukraine and to the tyrant in Russia: We stand united with Ukraine – for its freedom, and with its people,” Governor Scott said in his remarks. “The fact is, Ukraine’s fight to protect their people, their rights and their land – and what that means for democracies across the globe – is too important for us to sit out. We must do our part.”

Governor Scott signed the bipartisan bill, which passed unanimously, joined by Lt. Governor Molly Gray, Treasurer Beth Pearce, Attorney General TJ Donavan, Secretary of State Jim Condos, House Speaker Jill Krowinski, Senate Pro Tem Becca Balint, minority leaders Senator Randy Brock and Representative Pattie McCoy, legislators from all parties and the people of Vermont.

“In moments like this, it is easy to feel helpless and hopeless watching the suffering of innocent civilians several time zones away in Ukraine,” said Lt. Governor Gray. “Putin’s actions not only threaten the very institutions and laws Russia and the international community came together to establish after World War II to prevent human suffering, but also international peace and security as we know it. Tonight’s vigil and the signing of H.717, an appropriation of more than $640,000 in humanitarian aid to support the people of Ukraine is more than just a bipartisan act of kindness, it is an act of unity as Vermonters, Americans, and citizens of the world.”

Vermont Youth Orchestra members Justin Lee (violin 1), Emma Xia (violin 2), Elizabeth Messier (viola) and Jonah Hutchin (cello) performed at the vigil.  You can view video of the vigil and ceremony at facebook.com/GovPhilScott and click here for a transcript of Governor Scott’s remarks.

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Emily King, Horn: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Emily King, horn
Missisquoi Valley Union

VT Youth Orchestra – 2 years

In the two years that Emily has been in VYO, her musical contribution has been tremendous! You can hear her playing the beautiful solo horn lines in concerts from both this year and last. We have admired Emily’s consistent preparation and flexibility to play whatever is put in front of her.

Why do you like your instrument & how did you choose it?

As soon as I began immersing myself in the world of music, the French horn caught my attention with its unique sound and beauty. It stood out to me as an embodiment of grace and majesty, and I simply could not deny that I wholeheartedly wanted to learn this instrument. In order to ease my way into the challenges that come with horn playing, I began learning trumpet as my first brass instrument in elementary school. As I entered middle school, I was finally able to get my hands on a French horn. Ever since then, I’ve only grown more passionate about this instrument, and the horn never lost its magic in my eyes.

What has been your biggest musical challenge & how did you overcome it?

Auditioning has always been a particularly scary and anxiety-inducing part of being a musician. Even after auditioning for festivals for several years, preparing to perform scales, excerpts, and solos for my VYO audition was nerve-wracking. Being part of the orchestra was a dream of mine, so when the opportunity came to finally audition, I felt the weight of my goals resting heavily on my shoulders. However, as I stood in the hallway at Elley-Long anxiously awaiting my audition time, I had an epiphany. I realized that I was there to share my love of music. I was there to show the work I had put into my instrument over the last 6 years. I was there to play my horn, which had always brought me so much joy. After that, I walked confidently into the audition room and did what I enjoyed most: play the horn.

How has the pandemic effected your practice & performance of music or participation in your other activities?

For me, the VYO has truly been a light that shone through all the darkness brought on by the pandemic. For two long years, young musicians like myself had been denied festivals, band classes, lessons, and the other musical endeavors that we looked forward to. This bleak time without music was depressing and discouraging. It seemed like any glimmer of hope to perform again was diminished. That was until I became involved in the VYO. When in-person rehearsals finally began, I was reminded of the joy that music brought me. Even though I still could not play in school or festivals, the VYO employed lots of precautions that allowed us to safely play music together. While it wasn’t a normal ensemble experience, it was like a breath of fresh air to be with other musicians again and finally create beautiful music.

Jasmin Townsend-Ng, Violin: 2022 Senior Spotlight

Jasmin Townsend-Ng, violin
Champlain Valley Union

VT Youth Orchestra – 1 ½ years
VT Youth Philharmonia –3 years
VT Youth Strings – 2 years
Presto – 4 sessions

 

It has been a pleasure watching Jasmin share her friendliness and enthusiasm during her time with the VYOA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do you like your instrument & how did you choose it?

I like playing the violin because I like how to it sounds when your pitch is perfect. I would always go to concerts when I was young and the violin was always the one I thought sounded the best.

What role does music play in your life?

Music is very relaxing for me. Whenever I have a stressful day I pick up my violin and play for the fun of it.

What has been your biggest musical challenge & how did you overcome it?

When I was young it was hard to find other people who liked to play instruments like me. That was until I started doing Vermont Suzuki Violins and Presto where I made great friends and participated in concerts.