I spent the summer of 2012 at Interlochen Arts Camp playing in the World Youth Symphony Orchestra. I remember thinking that I would never get to play in a high school group as amazing as WYSO after I left for the summer. That thought was quickly put aside after the first PYS rehearsal. Starting off my time in PYS with Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 under the baton of Maestro Harada was a dream come true. Unparalleled, even by WYSO.
Probably the greatest musical memory I have of PYS was after the Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2 performance. I had practiced that piece more than any other orchestral piece I had ever played, and getting to perform it so professionally with the Youth Symphony is something I will never forget.
Every concert holds a dear place in my heart. PYS has changed my life since I consider everyone in the organization to be a part of my family. I have never felt so close to everyone in an organization before. From committee members to fellow peers, I felt love for everyone. Being able to create these relationships while making music has truly changed my life.