THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 31, 1995 TAG: 9503290137
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ADRIENNE BOYD, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Hard work, friendship and fun. They're all part of the Tidewater Youth Orchestra, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year.
The TYO was founded by Jerlene Harding, a retired Portsmouth music teacher with 34 years in the field. Harding said she started the group to keep talented young musicians interested in music.
``I was being transferred from one school to another, and when I left the kids would get out of the orchestra - and they were so talented,'' Harding said. ``So I started them in community orchestra.''
Davon Yonkers, a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School, is involved in his school's orchestra and plays in the TYO.
``It's something different as far as music,'' said Davon, a viola and string bass player who has been in the orchestra for six years. ``You have a lot of different people. I like being around different age groups.''
Students from Chesapeake and other cities in South Hampton Roads are welcome, and there are no formal auditions to join.
``They sit in (with the orchestra), if they can handle the music they can join,'' said Harding. As long as there is space in the sections of the orchestra, ``I like to let those who like to play play.''
The TYO usually has 25 to 35 members. The ranks swell when members who are away at college return. Practice is held from 7 to 9 p.m. on a weeknight.
Soon after TYO was formed, members were invited to play at the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc. in Indianapolis. It was the group's first major performance.
The TYO has since played in many major U.S. cities, including San Diego and New York. The orchestra's first international trip will be to Germany this June to perform in Frankfort, Heidelberg and other cities.
In their travels, members not only perform, but they also explore the historical and cultural aspects of the cities. And they have had the opportunity to meet professional musicians such as Jester Harrison and members of Sounds of Blackness and De La Soul.
Students say the broad experience they get in the orchestra is quite valuable.
``You learn a lot from Mrs. Harding and our different experiences,'' said Danielle Grissin, a junior at Chesapeake's Indian River High School. She has played clarinet in the TYO for four years. ``(The trips) will make it easier when I go away for college.''
But being in the orchestra means more than just traveling, performing and practice.
Hermoine Hamlin, a junior at Indian River High School who has played the clarinet in the orchestra for four years, was attracted to the TYO because of the camaraderie. ``They were like a family,'' Hermoine said. ``They seemed united in musical ability and friendship.''
``Everyone knows each other, and we're friends even though we're in different grades,'' added Tinesha Sharpe, a junior at Indian River High School who has played the clarinet in the orchestra for four years. ``If we get a new person, they're accepted.''
Harding plans a reunion of TYO members around Christmas to mark the 20th anniversary of the group. How many musicians have been on the rolls?
``I can't even imagine,'' Harding said. MEMO: Adrienne Boyd is a senior at Kempsville High School.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by TAMARA VONINSKI
Peter Foster of Tallwood High School practices with the Tidewater
Youth Orchestra, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
by CNB