The Delaware Symphony and future musicians; a winning combination [video]

The teaching music to future generations was on display this past weekend. The instructor: DSO Maestro David Amado.

Musicians in the Delaware Youth Symphony Orchestra got a taste of what it’s like to play as a professional on Saturday when Maestro David Amado, music director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, guest conducted a rehearsal at The Music School of Delaware in Wilmington.

The rehearsal was in preparation for the ensemble’s Spring Concert on March 14. The program features selections from “West Side Story” and Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture.”

Helming the orchestra brought back professional and personal memories for Amado.

“Before I became music director (of the DSO), I was associate conductor in St. Louis and one of my responsibilities was to be music director of the youth orchestra out there, and so I have a real soft spot for the whole youth orchestra experience and people in the youth orchestra,” he said. “And I played in a youth orchestra when I was a kid.”

Building music awareness

The DYSO, which debuted in 2012, is the brainchild of Music School President and CEO Kate Ransom. “I felt that Delaware needed a representative youth orchestra that would take children from middle school up through high school and be able to be a prestigious and reputable ensemble and a credit to the students involved in the orchestra and a credit to the state of Delaware,” she said. “We see students migrating to adjacent states, why not have a creditable program right here in our own state.”

Since its inception, the DYSO has afforded its members the opportunity to interact with accomplished musicians from some of the most prestigious institutions in the region, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Baltimore and Delaware Symphonies as well as instructors from the University of Delaware.

“This has been part of the design of the program from the outset to have this supplemental work that is even more specialized and have it led by the wonderful wealth of experienced professionals that we have access to in the region,” said Ransom.

DYSO Music Director Simeone Tartaglione is also thrilled to be able to offer these opportunities to his ensemble. “This is a good thing for them and their future too because some of them are going to be professional musicians and they can see a different style of conducting, a different style of rehearsing,” he said. “Plus a conductor might be impressed by a player and in a few years if they become professional, they can audition for them so it’s a good thing too for their professional career.”

Tartaglione says the young musicians always look forward to these events. “They get excited,” he said. “They want to present themselves the best they can.”

A music future

Claire Buoni, principal second violinist with the orchestra, was eager to get Amado’s take on the pieces they’re working on. “It’s another perspective,” said the 14-year-old from West Chester, Pa. “And the way a conductor sees the music affects the way you play it.”

DYSO first oboist Madison Stern was also excited about the opportunity to work with Amado. “David Amado is a very well-known musician and he’s really done a lot for our arts community, especially with the [Delaware Symphony] Orchestra. He’s really ramped that up a lot,” said the 15-year old from Hockessin who attends Tower Hill School.

Stern is also impressed with Amado’s conducting style. “When I was younger, I went to a couple of his concerts and I thought he was a very energetic conductor,” she said.

Ransom hopes the interaction will do more than just improve the musician’s skills. “The most important thing is the motivation,” she said. “Their understanding and their skills will grow, of course, but that the spark that has brought them to music stays alive and that they can carry the flame.”

The session was recorded by Jon Ripsom photography. It’s a unique insight into how music is created.