The Lone Star Youth Orchestra: Gearing up for spring
Written by Phil Cerroni
Based in Irving, TX, the Lone Star Youth Orchestra (LSYO) is beginning the new semester with rehearsals for their upcoming concert, Pops On Tour, on March 6 at the Irving Arts Center. Featuring music by Grieg, the annual pops concert will also include selections from Les Miserables and John Williams’ Raider’s March. The LSYO consists of middle and high school students from over 15 metroplex school districts.
Featuring many talented young musicians from around the area, the Lone Star Youth Orchestra is the only tuition-free youth orchestra in the metroplex. Brian Mendez, an All-State qualifying trumpet player and Wylie High School junior, states, “It’s a great opportunity to play in Lone Star because our high school does not offer full orchestra. This is where we learn to play orchestral repertoire, and we have a lot of fun together each week at rehearsal.”
In order to support the LSYO, students are preparing for two upcoming fundraisers this spring. One is the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie fundraiser, which will take place in February and March with cookie delivery before the Easter holiday. The Lone Star Youth Orchestra will also continue its tradition of having a Silent Auction in conjunction with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LCSO), its parent organization. The LSYO is collecting donated items to auction off through the end of March for the May 11 event.
Students are greatly anticipating the opportunity to play with members of the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra in the annual Side-By-Side concert, which takes place on March 16, 2013. Sophomore trumpet player Bobby Price, an All-Area qualifier, states, “It’s very exciting to have the chance to play with the professional players in the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. My private teacher plays in the orchestra, and it would be an incredible experience to play alongside him.”
To support the LSYO, please consider participating in our two spring fundraisers or attending our two remaining concerts this spring on March 6 and May 15. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online at http://www.irvingartscenter.com/Performances/BuyTickets.aspx .
The LSYO rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings at the Irving Arts Center. To join the Lone Star Youth Orchestra, please call Education Director, Lauren Penick, at 972.252.4800 to set up an audition time.
Source: Lone Star Youth Orchestra
