The Turtle Dove Project
2019-20 Youth Symphony students describe what The Turtle Dove means to them
Marina Akamatsu, viola
Watch Marina's animated video
Chanel Antoshin, flute
See Chanel's artwork
Storey Childs, viola
Hear Storey's reflection
Claire Collins, violin
Hear Claire's message
Zylle Constantino, violin
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Gail Creighton, flute
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Emily Dow, cello
Hear Emily's description
Toby Elliott, percussion
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"I have had the privilege to be in the Youth Symphony as a percussionist this year and I love it. I was really nervous coming to Fall Camp because I only knew Garrett from school and I was nervous to see if I fit in. During Fall Camp I met Simon, the other percussionist, and some of the other brass players and I started to feel like I finally fit in. At the conclusion
of the weekend we played Turtle Dove and I really felt like I had a new home and I have loved coming back out to Elgin every weekend performing with my new family. Covid-19 might keep us apart, but we will only grow stronger as a family when we see each other again. I hope you continue with the EYSO and connect with your new family."
Eliana Eng, violin
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Ben Fioresi, horn
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"I've only had experience in Youth Symphony, mostly because I had never built up the courage to audition before the time I did. The message I'd like to give to them is just to never stop trying, and that it's never too late to start. The hardest part of auditions for me is believing that I actually have a chance. Self doubt has been my biggest enemy in my musical career, and it has been really hard to get over it. However, I never would have gotten to where I am today in my musical career without taking the chances that I did. If any of these younger students are doubting themselves over their musical ability, my one message to them would be that they shouldn't. Everyone can do great things, in the music world and outside of it. But you will never reach greatness without taking the first step."
Richard Lu, violin
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"When you first practice Turtle Dove, it might not sound like much. But when you put it all together, it's like an aura of music. It's unbelievable what little music can do."
Preethi Navalpakkam, violin
Read Preethi's reflection
"Turtle Dove is a very special piece that talks about how saying goodbye doesn’t always mean that your connection with them is over. It’s especially important in a time of quarantine like this because it helps you realize that the friends and people that you aren’t seeing right now aren’t actually gone. This is only a temporary separation from them, but when it’s over, you will be able to cherish time with them again."
Luke Suarez, horn
Hear Luke's explanation
Maya Umlauf, violin
Hear Maya's explanation
Zoe Umlauf, violin
Hear Zoe's interpretation
Miranda Victor, cello
Read Miranda's message
Alexandra Walsh, trumpet
Read Alexandra's story
"To me, Turtle Dove is a way for the orchestra to come together as one. I haven’t been in Youth Symphony long, but playing it at fall camp made me feel as if I had been playing in the group forever. It is a way to welcome everyone and to welcome the new season."
Caroline Weiss, clarinet
Hear Caroline's thoughts