I seriously don’t even know how to begin to describe my PYS experience. Even though I only spent one year working with Kei in the Youth Symphony, it was by far the year of my greatest growth as a musician. The musical experiences that I had in PYS are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
In the beginning of the year it was a bit intimidating going into an ensemble where I knew very few people and was friends with only a fraction of them. But everybody in the symphony is so friendly and welcoming, and by the end of the first rehearsals I already had several new friendships formed with other passionate musicians. It was a truly incredible to meet with all of these talented people every week and make beautiful music with them.
In addition to all these things, Kei pushed us every week to become stonger musicians. Under his direction I learned so much about playing in an orchestra and about playing as an individual. This year would not have been the same without him, and I know that after this year with him, I won’t be the same either.
Youth Symphony was a life-changing experience that I will never forget, I’m glad that I got to be a part of it even if it was just for one short year.