I played cello in LJYO from 2004-2008. Although I currently work as an accountant, I still regularly play cello for community theater productions in the Durham and Northumberland areas.

I was a member of LJYO from 2009-2013 as a flutist. I gained a lot of musical skills through our rehearsals that I used throughout my education in music. As I went on to do an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Masters degree in teaching, I gained more and more appreciation for my time with LJYO. Just to list a few things: the importance of listening while making music, sight reading skills, learning orchestral repertoire (which makes listening to the Classical FM station enjoyable), knowledge of instruments other than my own, solo instrumental repertoire that was learned for our auditions, making music with the conductor and of course the importance of space (“drop the dot”, as Michael would say). The friendships I had with those musicians whom I met in LJYO still continue today, and I am excited to reunite with them whenever the time arises. The LJYO community is always welcoming to everyone. 

The most important skills that I learned in LJYO were a commitment to practicing and learning to love the challenges put on our music stands. Having positive role models to learn alongside and being given the opportunity to be a role model were benefits that have propelled me forward to a career in music education. LJYO influenced me to see TSO and operas and of course to spread the love for music. I am thankful to have the opportunity for our family to be committed to LJYO (Mom, Dad, Tiffani, Brooke, and Cameron), and I am so excited that LJYO continues to inspire other growing musicians, just as it did for our family.

My time with LJYO (2009-2015) was full of musical and personal growth. There was nothing like the feeling of being part of a greater whole that I experienced while playing with this orchestra. Age is no barrier in LJYO, and I cherish the friendships and connections I formed with coaches and members alike. From master classes with renowned musicians to leadership positions, LJYO was full of inspiring learning opportunities that I would not be the same without today.

 I’m currently studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Waterloo and working as a bioinformatics intern at the Hospital for Sick Children. Music is still a huge part of my life; I’m an active violinist in chamber ensembles, musical theatre pit bands, and orchestras within the University of Waterloo’s music community.

I play clarinet. I was in LJYO for two years. I’m now studying clarinet at the University of Western Ontario. I am planning to become a music teacher. I would like to play in the finale.

I was a tuba player with LJYO from 2008-2012 and 2014. I joined the orchestra on the suggestion of Neil Hunter (trumpet coach) and also because my friend, Paige Kreps, was playing percussion with the group. I owe many of my friendships to LJYO, including my boyfriend, who was trombonist from 2009-2012. The added structure, socialization, and mental stimulation were all welcomed. The orchestra taught me how to deal with difficult situations, high expectations, and conflicting commitments. While these might not sound overtly positive, they were valuable lessons to carry over into university.

I certainly remember having fun playing certain pieces, like Lord of the Rings, the Sound of Music, and, of course, pretending to be a string bass for anything by Strauss. I also remember hearing amazing solos, meeting wonderful people, and having some pretty fantastic Saturday mornings. LJYO gave me an appreciation of classical music that I did not have previously. 

I ended up falling in love with science and pursuing it academically. Currently I have a BSc. (Hons.) and my MSc., both in biology. I am also applying to professional school, hoping to achieve my DVM. I still own my tuba (“Tinkerbell”) and I go through phases of playing her, alone or with groups.

I was a LJYO cello coach/orchestra parent from 2012-2014. My sons, Paul and Oliver Lingertat, played cello and violin, respectively, during those years and have both gone on to study Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. While there, both played with the U of Waterloo Symphony, and were happy to reconnect with LJYO friends like Charly Phillips and Simon Hughes.

What I remember most vividly is the fabulous group of generous and encouraging people involved in the LJYO. The kids flourished and were inspired to give their best because of the healthy culture in the organization. It was with regret that we left LJYO, but I have fortunately been able to carry on with musical pursuits in Peterborough. I continue to play cello in the Peterborough Symphony and occasionally volunteer with the Kawartha Youth Orchestra.

LJYO was my home for 12 incredible years. I’ve been with LJYO for the 10th anniversary, the 15th anniversary and I am sad to be missing the 20th because I now reside in California. After joining the orchestra, my love for music and playing percussion grew. My favourite part of being involved in a community orchestra was rehearsing for a concert. Playing classical hits with a big support from the entire orchestra and community really is something special.

Being a team player in this orchestra taught me many things from a young age that I still use now. During my membership, I was the principal percussionist, the orchestra leader, and then a playing coach. Moving up, I became responsible for the orchestra as manager while I pursued my diploma in Music Business Management. My role as the manager opened my eyes to a whole new level of the orchestra to me. Learning the organization from behind the scenes as well gave me a new appreciation for community, volunteers, the music directors, the Board and musicians. Now, I take what I learned as a manager and musician to my professional life in the music business industry, and that is as valuable a gift as one can have.

I know that LJYO is the perfect fit for any young musician with lots of room to grow and learn, with an extended family to welcome you!

I was a member of LJYO between 2005 and 2007. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it were not for LJYO. I began playing the flute when I was about 10 years old. After auditioning a few times for the orchestra, Michael suggested I switch to playing the bassoon because the orchestra had too many flute players and no bassoonists. As soon I picked up the instrument, I knew I had found something special. Even though I could only play about five notes on the instrument, I could tell that playing the bassoon was something that I was meant to do with my life, and LJYO helped me to discover my love for orchestral playing. I loved being a part of a team of people who were just as enthusiastic about music. 

 I later moved to Montreal and studied music at McGill University, but I always tried to come back to LJYO concerts to fill in the bassoon section as much as I could. After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I moved to Germany where I completed a Master’s in Orchestral Performance and where I met my husband. 

I’m now happily living in Latvia with my husband (he is a French Horn player). We play together in the National Opera, and frequently travel around the country to play music. It’s really incredible how organizations such as LJYO can help to form and change a person’s life as it has changed mine. It provided me with a community of loving and supporting people whom I will forever admire and look up to, and it helped me in so many ways to develop as a musician and as a person. 

My time in LJYO was a huge learning experience for me, as it was my first time ever playing in an orchestra. I learned very valuable skills of collaboration with others through music playing as well as discussions and relationships, along with self-discipline and the reward that comes with hard work. My musicianship grew tremendously throughout my time with LJYO and definitely contributed to my decision of attending Wilfrid Laurier University for Music Therapy. I still play the violin and have taken up various other instruments, including piano, voice, guitar, flute and ukulele. Currently, I am completing the third year of my Music Therapy undergraduate degree and am planning on completing my Masters and becoming a Registered Psychotherapist.