Alumni


...The FYO pretty much made me who I am today!

Welcome to our new alumni page. The Fairbanks Youth Orchestras have brought together hundreds of children and teens since the inception in 1968. If you are an alum, and would like to share your story of your experience in the Fairbanks Youth Orchestras, please let us know. We would love to hear where you are now, whether you pursued music or another career.

Riley Witte, oboe, Youth Symphony
Well, I think you know that the FYO pretty much made me who I am today! Specifically, the mentoring of George, Candy, and Dr. Zilberkant (among others)... it was hugely important in my personal development and teenage years. Also, I wouldn't be in Russia now if it weren't for FYO. I failed the Spanish placement test when I got to college and randomly decided to study Russian because I liked Rachmaninoff! The FYO taught me a ton about music, group work, and communication. Playing in the wind section was probably the best preparation for college and working life that I had; giving me responsibility and teaching me that hard work pays off. Also, there was no shortage of role models in the FYO community. As a young player, I was in awe of the musicians older than me. Then, when I grew older I had to live up to their example and take a leading role. Basically, for me the FYO was a community and a very positive identity that put me on a good path and helped me to become the person I am today. Though I haven't kept up my music since college coursework made playing impractical, I hope to start playing again soon, and if I have children I will definitely encourage them to play in an orchestra.
James Czyzewski, cello, 1990-1999 (Currently a cellist with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra)
It was an invaluable experience for me as it served as an introduction to the dynamics of a symphony orchestra. Saturday rehearsals were also a chance to catch up with my many friends in the orchestra, many of which I had grown up with through the Suzuki program. My fond memories of the 9 years I spent in the FYO helped me decide to pursue a career as an orchestral musician. After I left Fairbanks I attended Northwestern University and received a Bachelor's degree in music in 2003. I spent a year post graduation in the Civic Orchestra of the Chicago (the training orchestra of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and then won a position with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) in the spring of 2004. I'm currently enjoying my 6th season with the SLSO.
Lisa Daum, parent of Laura and Logan
There is no doubt in my mind that FYO has been both a positive and influential experience. Laura is currently a violist with the Flagstaff Symphony. Logan, a 3rd year chemical engineering and physics major still finds the time the time to perform with both the MIT Symphony and Wind Ensemble.
Sam Quintal, violin, 1991-2002 (Currently violist with the Jasper String Quartet)
During my time in the orchestras I progressed from Prepatory Group through Youth Symphony, where I eventually became concertmaster. The orchestras provided me with an incredibly rewarding musical experience, perhaps most importantly by exposing me to great music, but also by providing a sense of musical community. Some of my best musical memories are of watching the Youth Symphony play after finishing my performace in Prep Group. I was amazed by the more advanced players, and this really inspired me. In addition to all of that, the skills of ensemble playing are something that I learned a great deal about in FYO. Considering that I now play full time in a String Quartet, you can imagine how important this was for me. For me, there were also non-musical benefits to my time with the orchestras. I learned stage managing, and have been able to use that skill in several jobs.

The fact that a community as small and remote as Fairbanks can support such a vibrant musical scene is testament to the creativity and dedicatoin that resides there. I have been to larger towns, where the professional symphony struggled to play as well as the Fairbanks Youth Symphony. Since leaving Fairbanks, I have always remembered fondly how enjoyable and rewarding my experience was in FYO.

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