MYSO: Nurturing Young Musicians - Lilly's Perspective

For Lilly, a senior clarinet player at MYSO, her experience has been more than just an after-school activity.

It's been a journey of growth, community, and self-discovery that began in sixth grade when she was encouraged to seek opportunities beyond her school band.

"My journey to coming to MYSO started in the sixth grade," Lilly recalls. "I auditioned for MYSO and got into Wind Ensemble my seventh grade year."

Now, as she approaches her senior year, Lilly reflects on the impact MYSO has had on her life and future aspirations.

MYSO offers its students unique experiences that go beyond regular rehearsals.

Lilly highlights the biennial tours and community days as opportunities to connect with new people and showcase their talents.

These experiences contribute to the sense of community that MYSO fosters among its young musicians.

"Everybody here at MYSO has their own place," Lilly explains.

"When you come into rehearsal, you might see someone with the same instrument as you, but that doesn't mean you're the same person. You all have different unique qualities that make you stand out from the crowd."

This emphasis on individuality within a collective is a hallmark of MYSO's approach.

MYSO encourages students to develop their own leadership abilities while working together towards a common goal.

As Lilly puts it, "We're all as a team, so there's no just one person or our section. We're all one whole together. We're all a community."

The discipline and teamwork fostered at MYSO extend beyond music.

Lilly describes how the skills learned in orchestra rehearsals—such as communication, listening, and balancing individual roles within a group—apply to interactions with friends and family.

For Lilly, MYSO has been instrumental in shaping her future plans. "After high school, I hope to pursue a degree in social work and clarinet music performance," she shares.

"Being at MYSO allowed me to figure out what I wanted to do in the future, which is continue my musical journey."

As Lilly looks ahead to her senior year and beyond, she carries with her the lessons, memories, and skills developed through her years with MYSO—a testament to the MYSO’s role in nurturing not just musicians, but well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.

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