(Left to right) Kevin McGuire and Vanessa Nguyen.
DERBY — Two ninth grade students from Derby High School are among the 28 new members to join the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO), following auditions held December 1, for the second half of the youth orchestra’s 2021 – 2022 season.
Vanessa Nguyen and Kevin McGuire, both 14, will participate in the program’s “Virtuosi Orchestra,” the first level of three full orchestra programs offered by the organization. Nguyen will be joining as a flutist and McGuire as a trombonist.
“GCTYO appreciates the commitment of our young people who travel great distances on Saturday mornings to make music with their peers,” said Beth Ulman, Executive Director of GCTYO. “This commitment is driven by a desire to be part of and contribute to something truly special. Participation in GCTYO can be a transformative experience for our kids and their families.”
Geoffrey Brookes, Derby High School’s music director, who joined the school staff this year, is also one of the conductors for a GCTYO jazz ensemble, and suggested the students audition.
“GCTYO is a wonderful organization for students who want to extend their music education beyond the classroom,” said Brookes. “The conductors and coaches set very high standards and every year the students rise to those expectations. In my first few months with Derby High School, I have been impressed with the skill and dedication of all our musicians. I knew that GCTYO would be a great fit for a few students, and I look forward to seeing how they grow and learn from the experience.”
The two students shared their enthusiasm about joining the program.
“Joining GCTYO makes a positive difference in my life because I can expand my knowledge of music theory and technique,” said Nguyen. “I’m excited to experience a new ensemble environment, challenge myself in orchestral music, and receive teaching from talented musicians. I feel happy and eager knowing this organization’s philosophy is to want to help students better themselves musically.”
“Classical music is such an important part of my life, and so it means so much to me that I will be able to be a part of the experience that the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras offers,” said McGuire. “I feel that in the GCTYO, not only will I learn so much about music from amazing teachers, but I will form a bond with those around me, who are trying to achieve the same things. I feel that having joined the GCTYO opened a new chapter in my life, and I am enthusiastic that I am able to take part in this exciting opportunity.”
GCTYO currently counts more than 320 student members in grades 4 – 12 from 40 different towns in Connecticut. Two years ago, the organization changed its name from Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras to Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras to reflect the organization’s membership and to make families aware that it is open and accessible to young musicians across the state. GCTYO holds performances at least three times per year at The Klein in downtown Bridgeport. It offers a robust financial assistance program for families who qualify.
McGuire and Nguyen are the first members of GCTYO from Derby this season.
“We are very proud of Kevin and Vanessa for being the first students to represent Derby High School this season in the GCTYO,” said Jennifer Olson, Derby High School principal. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects their desire to expand their learning as musicians and develop their talents. I am thrilled that our Music Director, Geoff Brookes, encouraged them to audition and that he will be part of this experience with our students. As a district, Derby has a deep commitment to the arts, and Kevin and Vanessa’s performance in the Virtuosi Orchestra will bring a great sense of pride to the community.”
Founded in 1961, GCTYO has grown from one orchestra to more than a dozen ensembles of different musical styles, including classical, jazz, wind, percussion, steel pan, flute choir, and chamber music. All GCTYO ensembles are led by music educators who also perform professionally.
For more information, visit https://gctyo.org/.
