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by Borden Black
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hen she was just 5 years old, Isabelle Dooley began playing the violin, and
by the time she was in second grade she was a member of the Youth
Orchestra of Greater Columbus (YOGC). Now a freshman at Columbus
High, she is the concertmaster. Michael Frye, on the other hand, didn’t start playing the
trumpet with the orchestra until he was a junior in high school. Both, however, share a
love of music and an appreciation for the organization that has helped them enhance
their talents.
The orchestra, which is now in its fifteenth season, was formed in order to create opportunities for the area’s most talented young musicians. Executive Director Dottie Brown believes the community has an obligation to ensure that music education stays alive. She points out that there has been a decline in the number of music programs in the public schools, but the YOGC can provide the next level of music education and can keep the young musicians engaged and interested. “Studies relate the positive effects of music education on children,” Brown added, pointing out that music education is directly related to increased SAT scores. She also believes by feeding the passion for classical music the YOGC helps to ensure the next generation of symphony patrons.
Growth has been steady since the first 30-member orchestra in 1993. The current group numbers about 86, but there have been orchestras of more than a hundred performers. Brown says last year’s class contained a record number of seniors, so there were fewer veterans this year.
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Talented music students from as far away as Auburn commute up to two hours round trip for
the opportunity to play in the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus. The young musicians
enjoy playing more challenging music with a larger ensemble than is available in most middle
and high school orchestra programs. |
There are now two separate groups — the Youth Orchestra made up of intermediate and advanced string, brass, wind and percussion musicians and the String Orchestra composed mainly of younger players. There are also classes, ensemble groups and a summer camp. YOGC students also have free admittance to all CSU Schwob School of Music concerts, except the Premiere Series.
The Muscogee County School District
mainly has symphonic or concert bands,
Frye pointed out, which “doesn’t allow for
quality orchestral playing.” He believes
the YOGC has allowed him to become a
better-rounded musician. Many of the
members know each other from competing
in various festivals and honors bands, he
added, and the orchestra allows them a
chance to play together.
The YOCG has a wide variety of young musicians ranging from fifth- to twelfth-graders from eight different counties in Georgia and Alabama. Brown says their demographic diversity is amazing, as is their talent.
The members must audition and are seated based on the results. They then attend weekly two-hour rehearsals from September through April. In addition, students must practice and are encouraged to participate in their school orchestra or band. There are four performances: fall and spring concerts and two educational concerts presented to elementary school children.
The orchestra partners with the Schowb School of Music at Columbus State University, and many of those students work with the YOGC performers in master classes. The university also provides rehearsal space in the RiverCenter and the use of percussion equipment for those rehearsals.
Tuition for YOGC is $200 annually but financial assistance and private lesson scholarships are available for those who qualify. Since the tuition and grants do not cover the cost of YOGC operation, donations are sought to keep the organization afloat. Fundraising is one of the primary duties of the board of trustees. Chair Nancy Stephens said, although she “can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” she is a music lover and strongly believes in providing performance opportunities for children.
The organization is non-profit and receives most of its funding from private individuals, corporations and foundations. “The biggest challenge for the board is to continuously find ways to support the budget when the economy is not great and everyone is tightening their purse strings for charitable contributions,” she said. Stephens adds that the board is looking for more creative ways to raise money, to improve the orchestra’s visibility in the community and reinforce the importance of music education. “We’ve got to find ways to reach more students and encourage lessons and coaching.”
Another challenge facing the orchestra for the coming year is finding a new conductor. Their conductor for the last two years is an Atlanta resident who recently accepted a conducting position closer to home. Brown said it would be nice to find someone locally, but they are looking for a conductor who will bring a different experience to the young musicians. “We are in a unique situation where we can provide them with something they don’t get in the school setting. So to hire a local educator would give them the same experience,” she explained.
As a result of their conductor search, auditions may be delayed this year. The tryouts are usually held in June with a final audition in August for those positions not filled. Since the conductors select the string orchestra and youth orchestra members, the auditions will depend on the hiring of a new conductor. The YOGC website at www.yogc.org will list audition particulars.
The musicians selected are the best in the area. Brown points out that even those who have been members in the past must audition each year. For the String Orchestra, members must be able to read music, have studied their instrument a year or two and be able to perform certain elements like scales and a piece that demonstrates their level of competence. The Youth Orchestra auditions are more competitive and include more difficult scale requirements and excerpts from more challenging pieces of music.
Both Dooley and Frye say music is an important part of their lives. “It gives me a chance to relax,” said Dooley. Frye also feels it is very beneficial to the community. “It connects just about all human beings and lightens the spirit,” he explained.
Stephens says elementary students attending the educational concerts are enchanted by the music. She says it is equally heartwarming to see the young musicians performing. “They are so proud of their accomplishments, and they look and sound so professional. It just reinforces how fortunate we are to have a youth orchestra.”
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