Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras Celebrates 75 Years

THE WORLD ON A STRING

By Jamie McCrary

MCYO performs at its spring concert in the Music Center.

I’m leaning on the back wall of a large rehearsal room at Strathmore, watching the symphony warm-up. There’s a feeling of comradery—and anticipation—as players practice their parts and talk amongst each other. As the conductor raises his baton, I lean in a little closer, narrowing my attention to the orchestra’s first note.

What follows is a silky blanket of sound. It’s warm and full, and it seeps through the room as the piece unfolds. The group slowly begins to sync as one single, breathing organism.

This is the mark of a truly seasoned orchestra, I thought, listening as their sound continued to blend and grow. The fact that each player is only high schoolaged is just another extraordinary fact.

The Philharmonic, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras’ (MCYO) top ensemble for preprofessional young musicians is comprised of some of the DC area’s most talented high school brass, wind, string, and percussion players. It’s one of the program’s four larger musical groups, which include three string ensembles, in addition to chamber music and instrument-specific ensembles.

6 STRATHMORENEWS | Spring 2020 | www.strathmore.org Music Director Kristofer Sanz, who conducts the Philharmonic and oversees each of MCYO’s ensembles, says his educational philosophy is based on artistry. “We really dig into the passion of the music and make sure that the kids connect—physically and emotionally—with what they’re playing. We want to draw out their potential.”

Sanz works to cultivate a lifelong love of music— whether students become professional musicians or music patrons.

A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE Founded in 1946, MCYO is the oldest and most established youth orchestra program in the DC area. The program has accomplished many milestones throughout its nearly 75 years, like in 1969, when the Philharmonic became the first American orchestra to perform at the International Festival of Youth in Switzerland. About a decade later, the group became the first youth orchestra to play at the Kennedy Center, followed by its Carnegie Hall debut in 2002.

Cheryl Jukes, executive director, said one of MCYO’s greatest milestones was its merger with Strathmore.

THE WORLD ON A STRING

What sets Strathmore’s youth orchestra program apart and how it will inspire students and audiences for another 75 years

Up until 2015, MCYO was a separate nonprofit. The organization joined Strathmore to collaborate and enhance Strathmore’s educational mission.

According to Jukes, what sets MCYO apart from other youth orchestra programs is its high professional level. During her 13-year tenure, she’s witnessed a lot of growth in this area, thanks to the high-quality conductors and coaches. More and more educational staff have joined the program, with little to no turnover. “We have the same staff who keeps working hard to grow [MCYO] with new ideas,” Jukes says. “Some know the students so well because they’ve nurtured them since grade one.”

For Evelyn Song, violinist ’16, her mentors at MCYO are what made playing in the orchestra such a transformative experience. She credits them for helping her develop the musical maturity for Cleveland Institute of Music, where she’ll graduate from next year. “My conductors and coaches helped nurture my love for music and encouraged me to push the envelope of musical expression,” she said. “Their dedication was evident by the way they truly care for their students, helping young musicians thrive.”

MCYO’s Touring Orchestra performs in Florence, Italy, as part of the American Celebration of Music festival.

A 75 TH CELEBRATION, AND BEYOND MCYO will celebrate its 75 th anniversary this upcoming season, and they’re kicking it off by performing in two of the world’s most renowned musical cities. This summer, MCYO will perform in the Beethoven 250 Orchestra Festival in Vienna’s historic Musikverein and Prague’s Dvorˇák Hall. The festival is part of Beethoven’s 250 th birthday celebration taking place throughout Europe. “We feel it’s a really important life experience for the kids,” Jukes shares, “They get to perform in places they may never get to otherwise, creating memories they’ll have the rest of their lives.”

After returning to the US, the ensembles take a break until fall, when they officially launch their 75 th season.

Next season—and over the next 75 years—Sanz wants to see MCYO continue to embrace innovative ways of coaching and presenting classical music. He wants to find new, organic ways of engaging audiences, helping eliminate the stigma around classical music. “It’s time to modernize everything a bit—like adding visual aspects, such as projections,” said Sanz.

Or, peppering modern compositions in with the classics. Sanz loves programming new compositions, helping expose emerging composers to audiences and students. He wants MCYO players to receive a full musical education. A well-rounded musician understands different types of repertoire, he said, and is musically flexible.

Jukes has a vision to establish a full-fledged music conservatory where students can rehearse and collaborate more spontaneously. She also hopes to grow their offerings, staff, and number of students.

“It’s all about the opportunities we can offer,” Jukes said.

Jukes also believes it’s about MCYO’s message. As year 75 approaches, she wants the community to know about MCYO’s distinctive approach to nurturing young musicians—and performing classical music that matters. “We’re not your typical youth orchestra!” she says.

And, after sitting in on rehearsals, I can attest to that.

For upcoming events and audition information visit STRATHMORE.ORG/MCYO