YHO Fall Concert

The Youth Honors Orchestra will present its fall concert on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 pm in Sauder Concert Hall. The concert is free and open to the public, and will also be livestreamed, available here.

Highlights from Fall 2022

YHO has had an exciting fall season! Several new initiatives launched, including the YHO Internship program and a new format with one ensemble instead of two.

Orchestra concert

Conductor Tori Petrak leads a Youth Honors Orchestra rehearsal.

One large ensemble with more students meant new and unique opportunities. Tori Petrak, the YHO conductor, chose music with different levels built in. Older musicians played advanced solo parts, while younger players had more accessible parts. This approach provides a fun challenge for some students, while inspiring others with something to look up to.

A focus on leadership…

The best way to learn something is to teach it; that’s why YHO purposely provides opportunities for peer mentorship. A typical YHO rehearsal this fall included time for students to work in small groups and pairs. YHO interns and other advanced students led sectional rehearsals with newer players. This has the dual benefit of helping younger students learn while also giving leadership experience to older students.

Orchestra concert

YHO Assistant and music education major Karsten Shaw leads a cello sectional rehearsal.

Next spring, YHO will continue its focus on multi-level collaboration and leadership. New players are welcome to audition for YHO in early January! (Check our website for updated audition information.) The YHO spring semester begins on Tuesday, January 17 at 6:30 pm.