And it certainly was when the Tennessee Youth Symphony took the stage for their 22/23 Season closing concert at Belmont’s McAfee Concert Hall!

Beginning with Prelude Strings under the direction of Mrs Melissa Edgington, the students showcased their range and skills by playing Bradenburg Concerto No. 3 without the aid of a conductor. The students spent the season really listening to each other, paying attention to those playing around them and learning to watch those key players that helped guide tempo, starts and stops.

They did a fabulous job immersing the audience in the movie theme from Narnia and concluding with the fast paced Conquistador leaving the audience standing and applauding their accomplishments.

Youth Symphony had a very special honor of being able to perform the premier showcasing of Symphony #1 Kentucky 1862 Composed by Dr J. Edward Gore. I had the privilege of speaking with Dr Gore before the performance. The story of how the whole thing came about was inspiring. He shared how he was nervous and excited to have this played live for an audience for the first time and the Youth Symphony did not disappoint.

The second movement, “Red Morn on Rolling Hills”, was a soothing and hauntingly beautiful piece. It brought you to the hills of Kentucky in a simpler time. When speaking with Dr Gore after the performance, he said, “I had to remind myself to breath and just enjoy the show.” It was a wonderful experience for all who had the privilege to listen.

From peaceful Kentucky Hills to the power and triumph of the iconic music that is unmistakable, the TYS Brass Section showed up and showed off with Star Wars!

The wall of music that hit the audience with the first down beat led them through the movie’s most recognizable music and left the listeners in awe and amazement that these are indeed just High School students and not professional musicians…yet!

And so the books closed on another season of TYS. Enjoy the summer, rest, relax and don’t forget to practice just a little bit! Audition information will be coming soon so keep those fingers flying and the dust off those instruments! Can’t wait to see what the next season will bring!