Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra Side-by-Side

Each year, the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic team up to create a gargantuan One-Night-Only orchestra concert extravaganza. The concept is pretty self explanatory: The two orchestras combine, with the students sitting along side the professionals. The Side-by-Side is a pretty established tradition with orchestras, and I played in a few myself as a student. This is a pretty fun opportunity for the BPO to play with some up-and-comers, and the up-and-comers to get a glimpse of the glamorous (ahem) life of the pros.

I really enjoy the side-by-side because the orchestra is so incredible huge. When you combine two full sized orchestras, you end up with quite the musical beast and the novelty is totally fun.

The students are always very well prepared and ready to work. I actually make it a point to be a little silly on side-by-side day. I think in some ways, the side-by-side ends up being a bit of a role reversal, with the students striving to be well behaved and professional, and the professionals enjoying the contagious youthful energy.

This year we played the third and fourth movement of Mahler’s 1st Symphony (with a great bass solo performed by Sam Suggs. We were all incredibly impressed), and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome”. It was an ambitious program, but the kids were up to the task.

One of the other things that is fun for the BPO musicians is the opportunity to sit next to our students. A lot of BPO players teach extensively, and the side-by-side is a great opportunity to see and hear our students in action.  Here are some shots of BPO musicians and their students:

Thanks for another great side-by-side, Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra members!