Kids in Concert
SHIYO performs this Saturday - By Melanie McGanney, May 06, 08
Founded by professional cellist Sam Mathews a year ago this June, the Shanghai International Youth Orchestra (SHIYO) will perform their second concert ever at the Shanghai Symphony Hall. The members of Shanghai's very first community youth orchestra range from ages 12 to 20 -- each merits consideration to be classified in that hazy "prodigy" category -- and all have a good decade of practicing experience under their belts.
These kids may be young, and Matthews wants everyone to have a good time, but SHIYO is no place for horsing around. Membership involves extensive auditioning, commitment to weekly practice, and a desire to perform in public.
Matthews arrived in China a year and half ago to teach at the International School but quickly realized he had a different vision. He started the Orchestra soon after, and the endeavor has proven challenging.
One such difficulty Matthews has faced has been convincing talented young players to join: "A pervasive misconception among teachers, parents, and students is that because these children are so talented, they should be commanding a salary for participating in the orchestra."
Another difficulty is that the participants, with their significantly advanced musical abilities, have their eyes set on becoming soloists. "About one out of every thousand of them will have successful solo career," predicts Matthews. "It makes a lot more sense for them to learn to play with others."
On the other hand, cultural exchange between the local and international students in the Orchestra has led to both groups learning new skills. "The international students think the Chinese kids are amazing and the Chinese think the international kids can't compete," says Matthews.
The interaction between students, however, has proven to be positive for both. Although the Chinese kids have well-honed technical skills, they tend to lack a certain group performing awareness exhibited by the international students. As a part of the Orchestra, now instead of practicing in a vacuum, local students are learning to take cues from those around them, responding to the music and their peers. At the same time, international students pick up some discipline from their Chinese contemporaries.
Watching his students learn and grow as musicians, playing the same music he did at that age has been a pleasure for Matthews. Picking up on his enthusiasm I automatically assumed Matthews really enjoys working with kids. "Yes, the talented ones," he jokes.
At the moment, SHYIO performs twice a year. Matthews' ultimate vision is to develop a full 80 person, traveling orchestra like the one he played in as a youth. Saturday's show will open with Matthews and two of his best students, followed by the intermediate group and then a performance from the advanced students.
***
The Shanghai International Youth Orchestra performs this Saturday at the Shanghai Symphony Hall. The concert starts at 3pm and tickets are 20rmb.
These kids may be young, and Matthews wants everyone to have a good time, but SHIYO is no place for horsing around. Membership involves extensive auditioning, commitment to weekly practice, and a desire to perform in public.
Matthews arrived in China a year and half ago to teach at the International School but quickly realized he had a different vision. He started the Orchestra soon after, and the endeavor has proven challenging.
One such difficulty Matthews has faced has been convincing talented young players to join: "A pervasive misconception among teachers, parents, and students is that because these children are so talented, they should be commanding a salary for participating in the orchestra."
Another difficulty is that the participants, with their significantly advanced musical abilities, have their eyes set on becoming soloists. "About one out of every thousand of them will have successful solo career," predicts Matthews. "It makes a lot more sense for them to learn to play with others."
On the other hand, cultural exchange between the local and international students in the Orchestra has led to both groups learning new skills. "The international students think the Chinese kids are amazing and the Chinese think the international kids can't compete," says Matthews.
The interaction between students, however, has proven to be positive for both. Although the Chinese kids have well-honed technical skills, they tend to lack a certain group performing awareness exhibited by the international students. As a part of the Orchestra, now instead of practicing in a vacuum, local students are learning to take cues from those around them, responding to the music and their peers. At the same time, international students pick up some discipline from their Chinese contemporaries.
Watching his students learn and grow as musicians, playing the same music he did at that age has been a pleasure for Matthews. Picking up on his enthusiasm I automatically assumed Matthews really enjoys working with kids. "Yes, the talented ones," he jokes.
At the moment, SHYIO performs twice a year. Matthews' ultimate vision is to develop a full 80 person, traveling orchestra like the one he played in as a youth. Saturday's show will open with Matthews and two of his best students, followed by the intermediate group and then a performance from the advanced students.
***
The Shanghai International Youth Orchestra performs this Saturday at the Shanghai Symphony Hall. The concert starts at 3pm and tickets are 20rmb.
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