Lucas: Beaufort Symphony’s ‘Side by Side Gala’ to feature young and seasoned musicians
Fourteen-year-old violinist Sydney Maddox admitted she was a bit nervous the first time she sat in with the adults in the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra.
“I was surrounded by all these really good violinists and orchestra people,” she said, adding that it was a little ‘scary.’
“And I had to practice a lot more,” she said.
But playing with the symphony’s 50-member youth orchestra for a number of years helped prepare Maddox for the big leagues, so to speak.
In fact, both Maddox and her twin sister, Taylor — who have been playing with the youth orchestra for five years — also have been playing with the adult orchestra for about a year now.
It’s all part of the symphony’s innovative program which provides opportunities for young musicians to develop their talent.
That talent will be on display April 10 when both orchestras take the stage at Beaufort High School for the symphony’s “Side by Side Gala” in which young musicians are literally seated next to orchestra professionals.
“It’s amazing (how) just sitting next to someone who is a lot better than you makes you better,” said the twins’ mother, Greta Maddox, who has seen her daughters’ confidence and abilities grow. “They have grown so much and ...in relating to adults and developing their musicality.”
Longtime orchestra member Olive Warrenfeltz said it’s good for the adults as well.
“We all get a bit of knowledge from it,” said the second principal violinist who will be 85 in May.
What’s more, Warrenfeltz, who also plays with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and has been with the orchestras for nearly 29 years, said she believes it encourages the young musicians “to continue on.”
“They see that we’re still playing at our age,” she said, laughing. “But I enjoy it. The kids are fun.”
If You Go
The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s “Side by Side” gala will be at 4 p.m. April 10, at the Beaufort High School Performing Arts Center, 84 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort.
The program will feature pop and classical pieces, movie and stage scores such as Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the theme from “Star Wars,” selections from the musical “Chicago” among others.
Tickets are $25 with discounts for students.
For tickets or additional details call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.beaufortorchestra.org. Tickets also available at the door.
This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 6:51 AM with the headline "Lucas: Beaufort Symphony’s ‘Side by Side Gala’ to feature young and seasoned musicians."