Youth Orchestra Strives Despite Pandemic Challenges

As Philadelphia and the western suburbs continue to persevere through the Covid-19 pandemic, music has helped people find solace and respite, whether playing it or listening to it. The Delaware County Youth Orchestras (comprised of DCYO and YMO) have been doing all they can to keep their student members engaged and provide a positive musical experience during this challenging time. Although the orchestras had hoped to be performing in person this season, the virtual activities planned by the conductors of DCYO and YMO have enabled students to stay connected and make music together.

DCYO, a highly selective ensemble conducted by Andrew Hauze (who is also director of the Swarthmore College Orchestra), and YMO, an intermediate level orchestra conducted by Nick Pignataro (who also heads the instrumental music department at Strath Haven High School), are leading talented young musicians from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey through an unusual 49th season that has revealed a few silver linings.

Following on the heels of last spring’s spectacular virtual DCYO performance of The Toreadors, is the newly released fall 2020 DCYO virtual recording of Sir Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 4. (DCYO Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4). This performance was made possible by the commitment of 83 musicians to practice, record, and upload individual videos that were then painstakingly synced and shared for the listening and viewing pleasure of a wide audience.

In addition, Mr. Hauze and Mr. Pignataro have kept their students engaged with weekly online rehearsals, discussions about orchestral repertoire, guest speakers, practice tips, music theory, and music history, as well as resources for watching concerts and master classes, to help expand the students’ musical horizons. Throughout this year of uncertainty, the Delaware County Youth Orchestras’ musicians have found a way to defy the odds and let the music play!