Page 45 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2024

SOUND OF MUSIC
Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra
story by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony
Those talented young people playing in the lobby before Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony (MGCS) concerts are members of the organization’s Youth Orchestra. Students between the ages of 13-20 are welcome to join the Youth Orchestra to enhance their classical music abilities. Auditions are held in August and January before the start of each semester. The philosophy is to lay the foundation for life-long learning and appreciation of the arts, enhance school music education programs, build future audiences, and improve the quality of life in the community.
“I have really enjoyed working with the youth symphony kids. Even though the majority come from Gulfport schools, some do come from other schools,” says Director Daniel Martinez. “It’s enriching to see them grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music. They are our future musicians and patrons of the arts.”
Grayton Williams, son of Janice and Mark Williams, has
been in the Youth Orchestra three years. “I like the interactive environment and the complex music Daniel chooses. The people are friendly and welcoming,” he says.
He started playing the cello five years ago. “I was originally exposed to this beautiful instrument at a Symphony concert in the Biloxi Sanger theatre,” he recalls. “I sat front row middle, and had a perfect view of the cellos. That’s when its captivating beauty caught my eye.”
A junior at Biloxi High School, Williams says he will certainly continue music any way he can after graduation by taking cello lessons at the college level or from a private teacher. “I would love to play in a professional orchestra one day!”
Martinez says he has students from 8th grade to just under
21. “Right now, we have one student in Community College.
I wish we had another ensemble where we could take care of younger kids and have a feeder program for the older group,” he says. “We’re almost at 50 students and have all sections covered which is really what’s important. In the Fall it’s tougher due to marching band season, but in the Spring more kids are willing to participate in it.”
Ideally, students should be proficient in an instrument before joining, but Martinez works with them and their private lesson teacher to make sure no student is turned down. “There’s
a certain level we need to maintain to keep the music at an advanced level,” he said.
Rehearsals are mandatory every Wednesday after the school day and are located at Gulfport High School in the music wing. Scholarships are available. “Most scholarships depend on the
financial situation of the student,” Martinez said. “Usually, we do not turn down a kid for not being able to pay the tuition; however, they may be assigned more duties than just learning the music, such as helping to set up chairs and stands, help with concert flyers and social media, and to make sure they play in smaller events that may be optional for the rest of the ensemble.”
228.896.4276 • www.msgulfcoastsymphony.net
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