Youth symphony orchestra performs for grade school students

More than 3,000 fourth and fifth graders filled the Stephens Performing Arts Center at ISU Wednesday to see the Idaho State Civic Symphony Youth Orchestra perform.

There were 3,500 kids and three separate concerts.

The youth orchestra has been working on this performance for a couple of months. Their goal was to show kids that no one is too young to get involved with music. The orchestra wanted to be an example that anyone can perform, no matter their age.

“I think it’s really important for the kids who are in the audience to relate to the kids who are on stage,” said Grant Harville, orchestra conductor. “And by seeing students who are close to the same age, that’s really helpful.”

Local businesses helped cover the cost to bus in kids from all over the region.

With a mix of classical, modern pop and even movie scores, the kids experienced a wide variety of music. The director explained what instruments the kids would hear and what tone they would set for each song.

Symphony members said it’s a great way for them to inspire and educate kids in music. They also said it’s a positive experience for them, too.

“I really like seeing kids get involved with music,” said Mara Gerber, a violinist. “Music makes you smarter and helps you do well in school so it’s a really good thing to be a part of.”

“I always look forward to this concert because you can show how much you love music and inspire others and it’s a lot of fun to see that happen,” said Izzy Spreier, another violinist.

“I saw a few of them going ‘wow, it’s so big’ and I forgot just that feeling of walking into a concert hall for the first time and seeing this is a thing that goes on in the world and just being amazed that something this cool happens,” said Gabriel Lowman, a pianist and percussionist for the orchestra.

“It’s just super exciting to know that we have the skill and the perseverance, and the focus to do so well on the stage,” said Colton Misner, who plays the trumpet.

The youth orchestra’s next performance will be Mar. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stephens Performing Arts Center. It will be free and open to the public.

For more information on the orchestra, or to see other upcoming events, check out their website:http://www.thesymphony.us/index.php.