Peninsula Youth Orchestra Turns 15
The only youth orchestra in San Mateo County has begun its 15th season on a high note, poised to play its first set of concerts on Nov. 13. From wiggly 6 and 7 year olds enjoying their first string ensemble, to mature teens mastering the complexity of full symphonic repertoire, the program has something for all interested musicians (ages 6-18), including summer tours and camps. And over the years, the number and types of ensembles has expanded to offer a truly sequential, hands-on learning experience.
Noted educator Sara Salsbury, director of preparatory orchestras and general manager, and Music Director Mitchell Sardou Klein, founded the Peninsula Youth Orchestra in 1997, initially under the wing of the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, which Klein also conducts. “We both wanted to create a kid-friendly program that encouraged participation from students of differing levels of ability, without a competitive edge, and still produce excellent concerts,” says Salsbury. She says that while some of the students have school music programs, others do not. “PYO offers them additional repertoire, leadership opportunities, sectional coaching, a concerto competition, and the chance to explore new countries on tour.” She and the staff are as proud of the excellent musicianship of the kids, as they are proud of the group’s “harmonious and congenial nature.”
Come hear the opening concerts on November 13, at the Carlmont High School Theatre in Belmont.
The London Philharmonic Gets in the Game
The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Andrew Skeet, has just released a CD titled The Greatest Video Game Music. As gaming technology has advanced, so has its theme music, inspiring some orchestras to get in the game, creating interpretations of tunes from the games: Mario Bros, Call of Duty, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Halo, World of Warcraft, Angry Birds, and many more.
Angry Birds composer Ari Pulkkinen said in a press release from the X5 Music Group, "This is the first orchestral version of one of my compositions and it really comes alive. It has such a great depth and a majestic touch, and it was very emotional for me when I heard it the first time. I love it!" While some will throw up their hands at the whole concept, and lack of much musical development in these selections (not to mention the questionable album cover), others will recognize the larger audience that video games could bring to classical music, just as cartoons did in the mid-20th century. A 12-year-old, in-house critic just gave it the “thumbs up.” The CD will be available on through Naxos of America, and digitally.
BandWorks: A Rockin Good Time
Adult and youth student groups from BandWorks, the Bay Area’s “School of Rock,” some of whom might be playing their first gig, as they take the stages in Berkeley (Nov. 6) and San Jose (Nov. 13), ready to rock. Students hail from all corners of the Bay Area, including Oakland, San Rafael, and San Francisco — some are quite experienced and others are just starting out. BandWorks’ excellent professional musician-instructors help the students get organized into groups, and then coach them on cover songs ranging from vintage rock to newer hits. Teen band, Acid Reign (high school students Josh May, Calvin Wright, Austin Zimmerman, and Josh Cohen), has been with BandWorks for a few years, and has started to make a name in rock circles, gigging professionally. They will debut all original tunes at the concert in Berkeley.
The Berkeley concert at Ashkenaz is an afternoon marathon of sixteen kid, teen, and adult bands, and the free San Jose concert commemorates the special opening of BandWorks’ new space at Music. Everyone who loves rock ‘n roll is welcome to attend the concerts. Contact BandWorks if you or your child would like to pursue the dream of becoming a rock star.