Music

Symphonic Celebration

CV Youth Symphony celebrates 30 years

Lauren Buelow Cunningham, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

The Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony French horn squad. The ensemble comprises 77 area musicians in grades seven through 12, some coming from as far as Hudson, Thorp, and Cadott.
 
The Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony French
horn squad. The ensemble comprises 77
area musicians in grades seven through 12,
some coming from as far as Hudson, Thorp,
and Cadott.

If you keep your ears open around town, you know that the Chippewa Valley has some seriously talented kids. If you walk by a downtown café or fill a seat at a theater around here, it’s a definite possibility that the awesome performance you just heard was given by someone who isn’t of legal voting age.

Helping shape this trend of underage talent is the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony. The auditioned ensemble comprises 77 of the most talented area musicians in grades seven through 12, some coming from as far as Hudson, Thorp, and Cadott. Each ensemble member has demonstrated above-average ability and dedication to music.

“Everybody in the room can play at a high level no matter what their age,” said Dr. Peter Haberman, the ensemble’s new director. Haberman is a conductor, trumpet performer, and music educator. He is assistant professor of music at UW-Eau Claire and currently serves as the director of bands.

As members of CVYS, students experience what it’s like to be in a professional ensemble. Unlike a school ensemble where they would rehearse every day, CVYS meets once a week for two hours, so members are responsible for learning their parts individually and coming prepared to rehearse.

“That’s why they’re here. They want that responsibility.” Haberman said. “They chose to be there; they come prepared; they sound good.”

As members of CVYS, students experience what it’s like to be in a professional ensemble.

As an added experience, Haberman invites music education majors from UW-Eau Claire to sit in on the first two rehearsals. These “coaches” show up, play the music, and demonstrate appropriate behaviors and practices for the ensemble members.

CVYS commits to four regular concerts per year, plus one benefit concert. They play a pops concert, a winter concert, a concerto competition concert, and a finale. This means that these kids are preparing new music every other month.

The 2010 winter concert is particularly special, since this year marks the 30th anniversary of CVYS.  The celebratory concert will be emceed by Mary Jo Wagner, and CVYS plans to honor all past student musicians and directors of the CVYS during the performance and also by creating a display, showcasing the last 30 years of CVYS.

Haberman has chosen a “Romantic Russian” theme for the concert, with selections from Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, as well as several holiday treats.

Winter Concert and 30th Anniversary Special • Dec. 14 • Gantner Hall, UWEC • 6:30pm • FREE  • all ages • 955-4085 • cvyouthsymphony.org