HYSOC has played a pivotal role in my growth as a musician as well as my growth as a person. I have been a participating member for over 6 years and during this time I have gained courage playing in an ensemble, performing in front of small and large audiences and learned many skills as a performing artist.

As a young musician HYSOC enabled me the skills to read and understand the language of music. Through persistence and effort this program has created a version of myself that a younger Iris would be proud of.  I am now able to understand, and hope to perform music to a higher degree. HYSOC has been a great spring-board and will continue to be as I further my musical education and career.  My built up skills and confidence have allowed me to participate in HHS Jazz Band and Swing Choir.  I was able to understand and develop my own musical taste as I explored classical music and other genres in this program.

Playing the bass in an orchestral setting has been a fun adventure.  It has been really interesting working in smaller ensembles as a bassist, an instrument that is often not included in small groups. It has been a gift to play along with and learn from some incredibly talented musicians.  I have been inspired by Lisa Shallock and Daniel Perry who have provided me with such an incredible experience. My years with HYSOC have allowed me to learn from and perform with many famous artists that have traveled through and live in our community.  I was even able to participate in the documentary film Blue Ice.

Over years of knowing other students that have graduated from HYSOC it is a bittersweet feeling.  I will miss the past and current students and I hope that future students are able to gain the same experiences that I have.