The Sunnyvale Sun
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Sunnyvale musicians to perform at California Theatre in San Jose
By ERIN HUSSEY
El Camino Youth Symphony Orchestra will open its 44th season Oct. 21 at the California Theatre in San Jose at 8 p.m. Six students from Sunnyvale are members of the senior orchestra, including Lidia Park, who recently was selected as a 2006 sinfonietta soloist.
"There is really something special about flutists," ECYS executive director Cathy Spieth said.
"It must be the size of the instrument that back in fourth or fifth grade, when the students have the opportunity to choose an instrument, the parents must say, 'The flute, the flute.' What then happens is you have this enormous number of young flutists and the competition is really crazy. So for Lidia to be where she is and a be a soloist means that she is truly a cut above."
Lidea, who is a senior at St. Francis High School, began playing when she was in the sixth grade.
"When I said I wanted to start playing the flute, my parents probably didn't take me very seriously and thought it was just a phase," she said.
"But now they know that I'm serious about it and are proud."
In addition to being a member of her middle school band, she took private lessons and started auditioning for symphonies. Then, as a sophomore, she became a member of the ECYS.
"A lot of families and students are looking for something that goes beyond what they can get in their school program and that can fulfill their arts education need in a very profound way," Spieth said.
Although based in Palo Alto, ECYS draws student-musicians from Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Fremont, San Francisco, Los Gatos and San Jose. The members range from elementary school children to seniors in high school.
"We have an unparalleled, amazing, talented faculty that is known on an international level, especially Dr. [Camilla] Kolchinsky, our music director," Spieth said.
"The other thing we do, in addition to having professional soloists each year, is the opportunity for youth soloists to perform."
In order to become a soloist, the young musicians must perform their desired solo piece before a panel of judges. Their performance is judged on artistic impression, accuracy, sound and how well the students understand the music. Every spring about 80 students apply, but only 20 are offered soloist positions.
"Even if they don't win, they are much stronger and more confident because they have had the experience of playing in front of a panel of judges," Spieth said.
"They really have to step up to the plate, so that makes everyone stronger and more confident and gives them experience that will help them in other aspects of their lives."
Similar to a dedicated student-athlete, student-musicians must balance their schedules among academics, practice and social time. For Lidia, music serves as a release from the stresses of the academic world and submitting college applications.
"It is relaxing and a good way to take a break from all the work I do," she said.
In addition to the several hours Park devotes to musical relaxing, she is working hard and hoping for an admittance letter from Stanford University.
"I'd like to go to Stanford, but we'll see," she said.
"I want to major in biology and become a doctor, but I definitely want to at least minor in music and try to get into the college symphony."
Park's work ethic is shared by other ECYS members.
"For most of them, music is one of several focal points in their lives and they have a lot of balls in the air," Spieth said.
"They are so smart and so talented and have so much family support that they can handle it. It goes back to the culture in the community to bring up well-rounded young people."
For the symphony's full calendar of performances or information on membership, visit www.ecys.org.
