Reno Phil

Youth Symphony Orchestra Tour

The Reno Phil's Youth Symphony Orchestra

 

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.

- Plato 

The Reno Phil believes in the transformative power of music to heal, inspire, educate, and bring people together. Music is the soundtrack to our lives and our aim is to bring that power of music to everyone.  This is why the Reno Phil has made it part of its mission to  present inspirational and exceptional musical experiences and music education to northern Nevada and California for over 50 years. 

The Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestras serve over 200 youngsters annually.  Founded in 1995, the Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is made up of the most advanced of these students who commit their time, energy, and talents to a high-level orchestral experience. Some of the musicians travel 100 miles or more to participate in weekly training, rehearsals, and performances. Dr. Jason Altieri, Reno Philharmonic Associate Conductor and Conductor of the University of Nevada, Reno Orchestra, conducts the group which holds the reputation as the region’s premiere Youth Orchestra. 

Over President’s Day weekend in February 2023, our very own Youth Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC., one of the most notable classical music venues in the world. The 4-day, 3-night stay will include a clinic with a guest conductor and joint concert with other youth orchestras. They will also have the opportunity to attend many iconic landmarks, including National Monuments, War Memorials, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian, and Capitol Hill.  

Touring on this scale is a life changing experience for young musicians.  Like athletic teams that travel together, touring encourages team building and bonding within the group. Working toward any performance raises the level; working toward a performance this prestigious will be the catalyst for the YSO to reach the next level. 

“My freshman year, the YSO traveled to LA to perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Nothing has bonded me to a group of people faster than the anxiety and anticipation we all shared at rehearsal. I'm still friends with a lot of people I became close to on that trip, and I think about our time at the concert hall and the Santa Monica Pier often”

-Oihana Villanueva, YSO alumnus

In addition, the opportunity to play on stage at the Kennedy Center will bring the orchestra members in direct contact with a high-level performing arts environment. Our Reno Youth musicians are members of a very small musical elite who can consider the chance to perform in venues at this level. 

An investment in this project provides an opportunity to raise the awareness that Reno’s arts atmosphere is evolving, growing, and supporting the cultural education of the community’s children. 10% of the Reno Philharmonic is currently made up of former youth orchestra members, and the RPA will be strengthened by future members who have these kinds of experiences.   

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Washington D.C.