Area youth orchestra looking for participants

To nourish the hearts and minds and develop the talent of young musicians through challenging and rewarding orchestral experiences -- that is the mission statement for The Youth Orchestra of the 4 States, which is currently struggling in its second year to attract participants.

YO4S is an orchestra based out of Joplin, Mo., which was created in 2008 to provide an orchestral experience for the youth of the four-state area in a time when orchestra programs in the schools are being cut. According to Artistic Director Christy Paxton, YO4S had approximately 50 students between the beginning and advanced orchestras; this year only half that have signed up.

"Being able to find a group that provides a balance ... is turning up to be a bit of a challenge," Paxton said.

The first rehearsal was scheduled for Sept. 15, however Paxton said the recruiting was extended until Oct. 6 in hopes of gaining more students.

Orchestra programs are decreasing in number across the country. According to USD 234 orchestra instructor Jane Williams, there are only six schools in Southeast Kansas with an orchestra program. Nevada (Mo.) Middle School band instructor Amanda Meyer said there are only two schools in Southwest Missouri.

"Orchestra is usually the first one they want to cut because we don't have the massive numbers," Williams said.

Paxton said YO4S is facing issues with trying to get support from area school teachers and private teachers because the organization is still new. She added that it is a completely different experience from that of marching band, which many more people are familiar with.

"There is a challenge when starting something new," Paxton said. "It's hard not go get excited with marching band ... it's a completely different experience. For young kids to start an orchestra experience when they have time and years to develop their technique, it can lead to a really fulfilling experience when they get to be older."

Last year, YO4S began with an orchestra comprised of string instruments only before adding brass and percussion instruments to the advanced orchestra. Paxton said because of the number, she may have to begin this year with strings only and hopefully draw more children.

"It may be a matter of starting with strings only," Paxton said. "They are the ones that need the most help."

According to Williams, orchestra programs have been struggling as of late because recent college graduates are not prepared to teach orchestra and that the YO4S could lead some children to become orchestra teachers.

"You breed the love of what you do because we're not in it for the money," Williams said. "If they love what they do ... they want to share that with everybody else."

Music programs have been proven to be beneficial to students as they prepare for life. Williams said music programs teach the students responsibility, leadership, and respect. MENC: The National Association for Music Education did a study in 2006 which found students participating in music programs score better on the SAT, scoring 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 43 points higher on the math portion.

The same study shows higher graduation and attendance rates in schools with music programs. Schools with music programs showed a 90.2 percent graduation rate compared to 72.9 percent. They also showed a 93.3 percent attendance rate compared to 84.9 percent.

"We're not just teaching music, we're teaching life," Williams said.

Unlike other school activities, such as athletics, music is something that the children can learn and participate in long after they have graduated.

"It is something you can do for the rest of your life," Williams said. "It's a hobby that you can do individually or in a group."

Whether or not the children become professional musicians or music teachers, the interest and joy instilled through their participation in the orchestra can lead them to be supporters of the arts. Williams said even if they attend an art show or participate in a community orchestra because they enjoy playing music, they can support the arts in a big way.

"Those are the people who will keep the arts alive," Williams said.

YO4S rehearses and performs at the Carterville Christian Church, 20123 Gravel Road, Joplin Mo. Rehearsals are scheduled every Tuesday evening. Anyone wishing to schedule an audition for YO4S should contact Paxton as soon as possible through YO4S's Web site, www.yo4states.org.