Members of the Class of 2022 shared the following list of awards and scholarships with ESYO. This list may not include all of the ESYO Seniors who have received awards and scholarships. Amsterdam High School Brian McNamara The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award; Amsterdam High School Band Director’s Award; Tri-M Music
“It’s been a journey,” said DeVaughn, who learned to play double bass in ESYO CHIME. DeVaughn learned about CHIME from his young siblings, who previously enrolled in the program. At first, he wasn’t interested in learning a string instrument, but a teaching artist introduced him to the bass, which opened
That afternoon, while waiting for the music to begin, I learned that Concerto Grosso was based upon the fourth symphony of Brahms. In short, the piece, as well as the entire afternoon, was absolutely wonderful, amazing, spell-binding, and all things terrific. The orchestra was huge, sporting seventeen cellos. It was
The Helen Cha-Pyo Baton Award is presented each spring to a senior who embodies the passionate commitment of former Music Director, Helen Cha-Pyo, to music as a means to uplift and enrich the community. Ms. Cha-Pyo served as ESYO’s Music Director and Symphony Orchestra Conductor between 2002 and 2018. Under
Kate has been an outstanding member of Symphony Orchestra this past season, which marked 5 years playing with ESYO. In addition to the French Horn, which she plays in Symphony Orchestra, Kate is an accomplished singer and pianist, plays the violin and mandolin, and has been a member of seven different
March is Music In Our Schools Month”,” a time to celebrate school music programs and the dedicated school music teachers that set the stage for many of the area’s great musicians. Magic happens at school concerts; school stages are often the first places students perform and where passion for performance
Last month, ESYO CHIME embarked on a new music project with contemporary composer and RPI Professor of Music Chris Fisher-Lochead. Funded by Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute’s PlayUSA initiative, ESYO CHIME is one of many PlayUSA partners participating in this creative learning project. The piece, which is titled “Stand Tall,”
“Playathon is much more than a fundraiser,” said Rebecca Calos, ESYO’s executive director. “It’s a fun all-day event and a chance for ESYO to perform outside the concert hall. It brings us closer to our neighbors, future members, and the entire community. It’s the only performance that features all aspects
ESYO’s interim Board Chair and public school music teacher, Omar Williams, said, “Etienne stood out from a global pool of conductors as an extraordinary musician, an inspiring educator, and a visionary in the field. He is creative, dynamic, and thoughtful. His holistic approach to music-making creates a culture of belonging
“The annual competition is named in memory of Lois Lyman, a longtime music teacher and one of the founders of ESYO,” said Rebecca Calos, ESYO Executive Director. “The competition is rigorous, and we are incredibly proud of Eujeong and Trey’s passion and artistic mastery.” she continued. “The most challenging aspect
Challenges and adversity are parts of everyday life, and our experiences shape us as individuals and as a community. How we bounce back and overcome day-to-day struggles changes us and defines who we are. ESYO’s Reflections of Resilience Project explores the stories of our community’s resilience and interconnecton through music.
Playing a musical instrument challenges young people’s minds and bodies and ignites their creativity. Playing a musical instrument creates new pathways of thinking and learning. But sounding together with other musicians who are as passionate about making music provides additional dimensions that further nurtures growth. Empire State Youth Orchestra invites
