2008 Woodie Awards
Orchestra serves as outlet for creativity
MUSIC: South Bay Youth Orchestra provides variety of musical experiences.
By: Kevin Ueda
Issue date: 5/5/05 Section: Arts
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Strummed violins and humming woodwinds fall silent under dim lights as the conductor steps up to the stage.
Half-hidden behind the mahogany podium, Chika Emori, 17, stands before the ensemble of performers ranging from ages 7 to 17.
"Guys, could we try it again? Only, I don't know... a little better?" she says.
The children snicker, returning their instruments to their chins and their mouthpieces to their lips to practice "Two Sketches," a piece written by Peter Xifaras and to be conducted by Emori.
The young performers, high school and college students alike, rehearse as part of the South Bay Youth Orchestra, SBYO, directed by Dr. William Doyle, music professor.
"This is, by far, the most talented orchestra we've ever had," Doyle said.
The SBYO will perform at the Marsee Auditorium next Saturday at 7 p.m.
Despite the level of talent the orchestra possesses, he regrets that many will not go on to become music majors. Doyle said many of the performers' area of study is science, and music is what they do to entertain themselves.
"Some are good musicians, but it's not what they're going to do," Doyle said. "A lot of these kids do it because it's an outlet; it's what they love to do."
He said one of his students "would study his vocabulary list when he wasn't playing," with the list of words taped to the back of his cello.
In contrast to other orchestras, Emori said the SBYO is free of the pressure put on by parents and conductors. As a result, the children can still enjoy playing an instrument and performing.
"It's not as strict as other orchestras I've been in. It's more for fun," Emori, former concert mistress and conductor, said. "We don't do competitions as an orchestra, but we still learn. "
Emori has been playing violin for 13 years and is in her fifth year of the SBYO with Doyle.
Doyle said this year's performance features an American theme, rather than a European theme, usually predominant with classical music.
Half-hidden behind the mahogany podium, Chika Emori, 17, stands before the ensemble of performers ranging from ages 7 to 17.
"Guys, could we try it again? Only, I don't know... a little better?" she says.
The children snicker, returning their instruments to their chins and their mouthpieces to their lips to practice "Two Sketches," a piece written by Peter Xifaras and to be conducted by Emori.
The young performers, high school and college students alike, rehearse as part of the South Bay Youth Orchestra, SBYO, directed by Dr. William Doyle, music professor.
"This is, by far, the most talented orchestra we've ever had," Doyle said.
The SBYO will perform at the Marsee Auditorium next Saturday at 7 p.m.
Despite the level of talent the orchestra possesses, he regrets that many will not go on to become music majors. Doyle said many of the performers' area of study is science, and music is what they do to entertain themselves.
"Some are good musicians, but it's not what they're going to do," Doyle said. "A lot of these kids do it because it's an outlet; it's what they love to do."
He said one of his students "would study his vocabulary list when he wasn't playing," with the list of words taped to the back of his cello.
In contrast to other orchestras, Emori said the SBYO is free of the pressure put on by parents and conductors. As a result, the children can still enjoy playing an instrument and performing.
"It's not as strict as other orchestras I've been in. It's more for fun," Emori, former concert mistress and conductor, said. "We don't do competitions as an orchestra, but we still learn. "
Emori has been playing violin for 13 years and is in her fifth year of the SBYO with Doyle.
Doyle said this year's performance features an American theme, rather than a European theme, usually predominant with classical music.