Beautiful music together

Learning to lead: The parents of five musical children, three of whom are involved with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras, Mary and Edward Frampton say their son Caleb has gained confidence and learned leadership skills through his position as concertmaster.

One talented family plays multiple roles in Chattanooga’s youth orchestras

By Katie Wilson

Photo courtesy of the CSOYO

Since 1949, hundreds of young people have gained confidence and honed their musical skills performing with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras, which provide orchestral training and performance opportunities for aspiring young musicians in the greater Chattanooga area.
Student musicians of any age are eligible for the Prelude and Etude Orchestras, which are generally for students with one to three years’ experience playing their instruments. Musicians aged 12 to 20 are eligible for membership in the (intermediate level) Philharmonic and (advanced level) Symphony Orchestras. Exceptions are made for string players younger than 12, who may audition with a recommendation from a private music teacher.
Chattanoogans Mary and Edward Frampton have three children involved in youth orchestra through the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera; their son Caleb is concertmaster of the CSOYO Youth Prelude Orchestra, leading the first violin section. Recently, the Framptons sat down with us to talk about their children’s experience with the CSOYO.

When did your children start playing musical instruments?

We have five children, and they have been playing musical instruments and singing together since they were very young. Anna began playing piano at age 6 and, later, viola. Rachel has studied violin since age 6. Joshua is studying classical guitar. Rebekah is studying piano and flute, and Caleb is studying violin. They have had excellent instruction in the USA and overseas.

When did they become involved in the youth orchestras?

We moved to Chattanooga three years ago after having served as church-planting missionaries in South Africa for five years. Upon our return, we were informed of the CSOYO through some friends. Rachel joined the youth symphony two years ago, and
Anna and Caleb began with the orchestras last year.

How has being involved with the youth orchestras influenced their musical growth?

Before their involvement with the youth orchestras, they had played their instruments solo or in small groups. The challenge to play as members of an orchestra has been invaluable.

How has being concertmaster impacted Caleb’s musical experience?

Caleb has thoroughly enjoyed being concertmaster and being a member of the orchestra. He has sung together with his brother and sisters in church since (he was) a very young child. The privilege of being concertmaster has encouraged leadership and helped his confidence as an individual.

What has Rachel’s experience been like in the youth orchestras and now in the symphony?

Rachel has been in the symphony for two years. It has been a wonderful experience for her. She has enjoyed having Mr. (Gary) Wilkes as conductor and getting to know the other members. Her love for music and the pursuit of excellence has increased during this time.

What has Anna’s experience been like in the youth orchestras and now in the philharmonic?

This was Anna’s first year in the philharmonic. She improved significantly as a musician and gained much confidence playing the viola. She thoroughly enjoyed the selected music and the times of performance.

What advice would you have for other parents about the youth orchestras?

We highly recommend involvement in the orchestras. The time commitment is rewarded many times over by the growth and enjoyment of both the students and parents.

As parents, what do you think is the role of music, especially orchestral music, in the lives of young people?

We believe music involves a commitment to hard work and excellence, gives the student a great feeling of accomplishment and confidence in their ability, increases their development of a teamwork mentality, and creates in them a love for beautiful music.

More about the CSOYO

Auditions are held each spring for all orchestras, with additional auditions in the fall for the Prelude and Etude Orchestras. All CSOYO students are required to participate in their school band or orchestra program.
Tuition ranges from $150 to $325, and families with two or more children enrolled are eligible for a discount. The orchestras rehearse every Monday evening during the school year at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences.
All orchestras present three regular concerts per year. The more advanced students are offered the opportunity to play in a string, woodwind, brass or percussion ensemble, with coaching by CSO musicians. In addition, all orchestras receive sectional coaching by CSO musicians and/or private music teachers. Every summer a two-day workshop is held so students can work on the music they will play during the year and can get acquainted with other orchestra members.
To learn more about the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras, visit ChattanoogaSymphony.org.

Katie Wilson is marketing director for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.