Members of the Vermont Youth Orchestra rehearse in August. Photo: Cat Cutillo
“After more than a year of virtual performances, Vermont Youth Orchestra flutist Logan Crocker stepped onstage in front of a live audience on October 17 at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe,” writes Benjamin Roesch in Tuesday’s (11/16) Seven Days (VT). “The Colchester High School senior was too excited to be nervous, he said: ‘It was such a nice feeling to be back…. You could feel the energy.’ … Logan is one of more than 300 young musicians across the state who will participate in music programs through the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association this school year…. The nonprofit … offers an array of opportunities for students in grades 1 through 12…. ‘The biggest draw to working with youth is, you get to experience things with them for the first time,’ [Music Director Mark Alpizar] said. … Over the last year … the VYOA … used strict safety protocols and creative thinking to keep practicing in person…. Playing with the orchestra is an invaluable experience, said Burlington dad Andy Barker. His daughter, Emma, played violin with … the Vermont Youth Orchestra for five years…. ‘She got to be a leader and a follower …,’ Barker said.”
