The fusion of art and music at Salvo Art Project

“Playing in front of a large crowd at a concert can be nerve racking, but it is always so rewarding to perform for my family and friends after weeks of hard work and dedication.” –Grant Hendrickson, of the Flagler Youth Orchestra

Thirty students of the Flagler Youth Orchestra performed a full string concert at the Salvo Art Project Friday, Dec. 4.

“We were really looking forward to the performance this year, after seeing last year’s concert; which was magical,” Co-owner of Salvo Art Project Petra Iston said. “The kids are absolutely amazing; their talents are inspirational.”

The orchestra was comprised of violins, chellos, violas and stand-up bass instruments. During the performance the students expertly performed the “Red Pony” a musical piece by Aaron Copland and “Carnival of the Animals” by composer Camille Saint-Saens. The members of the orchestra were chosen for their superb skill level to create a sub-division of the Flagler Youth Orchestra, called the Harmony Chamber Orchestra.

 “This has been a great opportunity for the students to explore the inspiring artwork throughout Salvo Art,” Flagler Youth Orchestra Executive Director Cheryl Tristam said. “It is important to introduce them to other opportunities and to help them expand their interests.”

The Flagler Youth Orchestra has been established in Palm Coast for the last 11 years. Currently the program has over 370 students ranging in ages of 8 to 19 years old. The orchestra gives children an opportunity to learn a new skill which they can carry with them throughout life.

The students practice with instructors for one hour, twice a week, at Indian Trails Middle School. “On my own I practice for 45 minutes every day, not including weekends, on top of the time spent with an instructor,” Harmony Chamber Orchestra member Grant Hendrickson said.

“Our goal is to have every one of our students be sound players,” Tristam said. “To the point where, reasonably within their skill range, if a student was randomly handed a piece of music, they would be able to play it on their own.”

The Flagler Youth Orchestra is preparing for their first big show of the year, which will be held at the Flagler Auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 9. For more information visit flagleryouthorchestra.org.