Owensboro High School students Michael Gesser and Juan Santiago Castro have been selected to participate in the inaugural season of the Louisville Youth Wind Symphony (LYWS), a premier wind band for advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion students in the Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio areas.
Gesser and Castro both said it was an honor and privilege to have gone through a rigorous process of auditions and be selected to perform, and they could not be more ecstatic.
After being inspired by his older sister and finding a passion for music, Gesser has been playing the trumpet for about 7 years.
“This entire endeavor has shown me that if you put in the time and you put in the work, it’s not really about the talent but about the work ethic and putting yourself out there,” he said.
Gesser called it an experience that is new and unique when it comes to the wind symphony.
“It seems like the biggest thing musically to happen for the youth of the band programs here in this state,” he said.
Castro plays the Clarinet and has expressed that being accepted and having this opportunity has been life-changing.
“This means a lot because I love music,” Juan said. “Music is like a second language. When you are sad or happy you can find a song and feel the emotion that you are also feeling. It will make you feel okay and that everything will be okay.”
Under the direction of Dr. Amy Acklin, the Louisville Youth Wind Symphony will launch its inaugural season in January 2025. Its purpose is to provide artistry-level musical experiences for advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion high school students. Performing Grade 5 and Grade 6 collegiate and professional level repertoire, the LYWS will engage with masterworks and new music for full band and chamber ensemble.
