The OYO Experience
We could tell you about the lasting benefits the OYO experience brings to student members, but we’d rather let our OYO alumni tell you themselves.
“I came to OYO as a 6th grader, having never played in an orchestra before – let alone having led a section as a concertmaster. I didn’t know what to expect, how to act, or what to do. The conductor was an inspiration and role model and instilled a love and excitement for music that I still carry with me today. He believed in his students 100%. For this I am eternally grateful.” –Justin Broder, Violinist, member of the International Chamber Soloists, Adjunct Faculty Member of Cranbrook School, and graduate of the Juillard School
OYO introduces you to so many things you just have to have in your repertoire. This helped me a great deal when I got to Eastman. I can honestly say that there would have been no way I would be pursuing a career as a professional musician without OYO. –Patrick Walle, Third Horn, Associate Principal, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, and graduate of the Eastman School of Music
OYO gave me added exposure to a full orchestra and playing with other musicians at a higher level. –Andrew Thompson, Bass, now studying double bass performance at Eastern Michigan University with the goal of having a career in private teaching and composing
OYO did a lot to prepare me for music school, but more importantly it was incredibly fun. –Rose Bridges, Cello, now studying music composition at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore MD
OYO challenged me in a way my high school orchestra didn’t provide at the time. I enjoyed having Thursday nights dedicated to music, and challenging music at that. –Maggie Masters, Bass, now studying Nursing at the University of Michigan and playing bass at church concerts
The music we played pushed me as a musician and always kept my love of music alive. The conductor never let us settle for “good”. We had to rock the concert! –Katie Barton, Cello, now studying at Oakland University and playing with the Oakland University String Ensemble and a rock band called Letters in Red.
My best OYO memory is being part of the concerts – being a part of that awesome sound and awesome group. –Rachel Whitmore, Violin, now studying music education at Hope College
OYO was, in many respects, my first step into the wide world of Concert music. Since then, orchestra has provided me with a more elegant, more exquisite style of thinking about the world. OYO was my introduction to a bright new perspective of life, and, for that reason, I am a proud OYO graduate. -Sresht Rengesh, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Class of 2015
I not only played through and mastered some amazing music, I had a good time doing so and made so many lasting friendships. –Carol Naronha, Flute, currently studying in the combined Bachelor of Science/Medical School Program at Wayne State University, as well as continuing flute lessons and playing in an orchestra ensemble.
My best OYO memories are about the people and the music. I made countless friends outside of school – and some who went to my school – by participating in OYO. What a great outlet to meet people with similar interests. –Brittany Smith, Violin, now working as a scientist for the Ohio EPA, formerly with the Ohio State University Orchestra, recent participant with the Ohio State University Community Orchestra, and guest performer with several local bands.
