Schenectady, NY - ESYO’s Young Leaders are making waves in the musical community lately by hosting their own events throughout the Capital Region. 

The Young Leader program provides ESYO members the opportunity to engage in leadership training and gain hands-on experience in the music world. Young Leaders have the chance to assist in ESYO programs, collaborate with their peers on community projects, engage with mentors and participate in leadership workshops.

On May 20, graduating senior and Repertory Orchestra flutist Inari Sohn coordinated a pop-up concert at the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market. Among the many spectators of the performance was Gov. Kathy Hochul, who stopped by to hear the young musicians. 

Symphony Orchestra principal violist Yu-Heng Wang is creating a series of tutorial videos to help out future ESYO musicians for his capstone Young Leaders project. “From A Musician’s Perspective” is “a short, 2-4 minute tutorial style video about a specific topic in the music field involving subjects such as practicing, performing, and life as a musician,” according to Yu-Heng. He came up with the idea for this video “in an effort to help out newer and young players of our musical community, as well as providing an opportunity for some of our most seasoned young musicians a chance to explore the field of music education.” The video will premiere soon. 

On June 10, Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Caitlin Weinheimer hosted the Young Musicians Festival at Freedom Park in Scotia. 

“At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t sure if I could do it, especially getting to the second half of my junior year,” said Caitlin. “But when I’m actually [at Young Leaders meetings] and talking about it, or when I’m meeting with [Young Leaders director Zoe Auerbach and ESYO Curriculum & Enrichment Coordinator David Bebe], I’m like, ‘Wow, this is actually enjoyable.’ It doesn’t have to be this super overwhelming thing.”

“I visited the park today where it’s going to happen, and it’s all coming together. Now I’m getting really excited about it and I’m really glad I did decide to do it. It was an opportunity that I wouldn’t have had otherwise and I’m really glad that I had it.”