Applause: Young musicians wrap up their Summer Ensemble Program
The Bay Phil Youth Orchestra (BPYO) Summer Ensemble Program the week of July 22-26 was a wonderful experience for the young musicians, culminating with a fantastic concert! The week started with the 24 young musicians, about half of whom are current members of BPYO, meeting the newest enrollees for the first time. It didn”t take long for them to get to know each other and start working hard on their music.
Under the guidance of Director Judy Lam, there were groups of varying sizes: full ensemble, quartets, duos, trios, and small chamber ensembles, for a total of 14 musical selections.
The configurations included strings, flutes, brass, marimba and piano. It was also an exciting opportunity for many of the Virtuosi musicians to hone their conducting skills! Vanya, Sindhu, Calvin, Pooja, June, Bhavya, and Harlan all conducted chamber pieces. For the smaller chamber ensembles, there were leadership opportunities for first-chair musicians to queue their group from their instrument, in true chamber music style.
June conducting Flute ensemble, performing Allegro by Mozart
Musicians performed and demonstrated new skills
The final program was performed Friday morning, July 26, and included:
Vanya conducted Serenade by Schubert
Sindhu conducted Aase's Death by Grieg
Calvin conducted Bonnie Woodgreen (folk)
Pooja conducted Confitebor Tibi by Bauer
String Ensemble, Rondeau by Mouret
June conducted Flute Ensemble, Allegro by Mozart
Harlan conducted Flute Ensemble, Sonatina in G, 1st Mvmt by Clementi
Bhavya conducted Flute Ensemble, Under The Sea by Menken
Brass Ensemble, Cadets by Shuebruk
Flute, Viola, Piano Trio, Romanesque by Hahn
Flute, Viola, Piano Trio, Concertino by Bloch
Flute, Violin, Cello Trio, Grand Trio by Walckiers (from the rehearsal clip)
Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano Quartet, Nocturne by Doppler
Piano Duet, Rhapsody on a theme by Pagannini, Var. 18 by Rachmaninoff
Harlan and Alice performing 2-piano duet of Rachmoninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Pagannini, var. 18
Two of Judy’s special needs students participated in the concert: Ansel, who did a great job joining the ensemble on violin for Rondeau by Mouret; and Alice, who performed beautifully, along with Harlan, in a two-piano rendition of the gorgeous Var. 18 of Rhapsody on a theme by Pagannini by Rachmaninoff.
Parents, families and Bay Phil attended recital
There were more than 50 parents and family members in the audience who delighted in seeing and hearing all that was accomplished in just one week!
Special guest, Bay Phil Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak let the audience know that the BPYO students would have opportunities to perform with the professional musicians of the Bay Phil during the upcoming 24/25 season - and handed all the young musicians’ certificates of completion.
Candy Culver, Bay Phil Director of Philanthropy, Business Partnerships and Marketing shared our gratitude for the parents’ and families’ support of their young musicians through this program and ways that support can continue throughout the season.
As the saying goes, “it takes a village” for our young musicians to learn and thrive.
In addition to their own hard work, there are many people to thank:
Ms. Judy Lam, founder and Director of the BPYO for the past 8 years. Her vision and incredible energy have given us the gift of BPYO and education for young musicians in our community.
Merna Morse, for her dedication to young musicians and her coaching of several groups throughout the week.
The Fremont United Methodist Church for providing our wonderful venue.
Incoming BPYO Music Director Dr. Carlos Hernandez, who will continue the program into the future. (We know with him the program will move forward and thrive!)
Marcella Schantz, who coached several groups during the week, and enjoyed seeing all of the talent, cooperative spirit, and musical growth that these young musicians achieved in such a short period of time.
Special thanks to the many BPYO parents who are dedicated to their students’ musical journey, and who help make this program a success by volunteering their time and talent.
Special thanks to our Parent organizers, Lexi and Jenny, who have devoted countless hours and super-hero energy to BPYO!
Applause around for Merna Morse and Marcella Schantz and wonderful parents of BPYO students
Along with Ms. Judy who is retiring as Director and Conductor of BPYO, I (Marcella Schantz) am retiring as conductor of the BPYO Melodia Ensemble. Rest assured, though, Judy and I will be here to support the group in any way needed in the future.
Passion for music, and any cultural art form, is a lifelong pursuit. There is a special bond created in relationships built in a cultural environment, nurtured by mutual love and respect for art forms that require few words and connect people on a very deep level. It is very fulfilling to see this continuing with the young musicians of BPYO.
Best wishes to all for the remainder of the summer, into next season, and beyond!
Marcella Schantz
Bay Phil Personnel Manager/Violinist
Retired BPYO conductor of the Melodia Ensemble
