Come along and play your part
MUSICIANS young and old have been invited to a gathering in the city today to prepare for another year of musicmaking.
Cairns Youth Orchestra is holding a meet-and-greet so newcomers can meet conductors and other players.
“We had a meet-and-greet last year,” CYO president Kerri Mason says.
“We started doing it for a lot of the new players to come in and meet our conductors, so they’re not so nervous.
“We have 10 new players starting this year and we’ve found a lot of kids want to bring their friends as well.
“They and their parents can ask questions they have about the orchestra and we’ll put on a few sausages as well.”
Kerri became involved when daughter Leteasha Taylor was in primary school. Now 21, Leteasha conducts CYO2, the training orchestra. Younger daughter Kitera Mason, 13, is in the main orchestra, CYO1.
“It’s given my family years of enjoyment through tours and concerts. We’ve got a lot out of it. Music is good for them and my children love playing.
“There’s a lovely group of kids from all over, not just one school. They come from Gordonvale, Kuranda, Ravenshoe.
“There’s a vast range of ages too and at the end of term, they often do a pizza party or barbecue. We try and get together outside of the music.
“It’s a chance for the kids to get to know each other and form some great friendships they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Kerri says older players are also welcome and many continue on as adults with the Chamber Ensemble.
Cairns Youth Orchestra turns 50 next year and violinist Erin Welser says she is happy to have been part of the organ- isation for the past 20 years.
The Chamber Ensemble leader and instrumental teacher joined CYO at 11 in 1998 and remains as committed today.
“I think it’s important for students to have an opportunity to play alongside their teachers and it’s a really important organisation to stay part of,” says Erin, who teaches violin at Cairns Hinterland Steiner School in Kuranda and St Monica’s College in Cairns.
Today’s meet-and-greet is at Cairns Darts Hall, Macnamara St, Manunda, 2pm-5pm. CYO2 (beginners) rehearsals begin 4pm-6pm Tuesday, January 29; CYO1 (advancing) 4pm-6pm Friday, February 1 and Chamber (experienced) 6pm-8pm, February 1. For more details, call Kerri Mason on 0438 177 864.