The Future in Action: Interview with MSYO’s Rylan Post

The MSO is proud to announce that Rylan Post, concertmaster of the MSYO Symphony Orchestra, has been appointed the concertmaster of the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra. He will be the fourth concertmaster appointed in the orchestra’s 21-year history, and the youngest at 15 years old. Conductor and Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra founder, Les Mardsen, announced the appointment in early December 2023, emphasizing Rylan’s artistic maturity, technique, and tone quality. We were able to meet with Rylan and go over his musical past, present, and goals for the future.

MSO: Firstly, we want to talk about you and your musical journey, your time with the MSYO, and any significant influences and inspirations shaping your passion for music?

Rylan Post: I am 15 years old and a junior at El Capitan High School, and was born and raised in Merced. I started taking violin lessons at the age of 3. I’ve also been playing the alto saxophone since I was 9 and am currently playing in both marching band and jazz band at my school.

In 2018 when I was 10 years old, I joined the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, in which I am currently concertmaster. I had already joined the Merced Union High School District orchestra a year before, despite being too young, and was looking for a group that challenged me while staying within my age group. That was when my violin teacher at the time, Caitlin Hunsuck Serpa, informed me of MSYO, which both of her brothers had participated in when they were younger. I enjoyed the opportunity so much that it was worth the drive from Merced every Wednesday.

Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra 2018 — *Rylan Post (pictured, front row, second violin from the left) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2018.*

Being honest, I must accredit most of my achievements in music to Ms. Caitlin, as she’s my biggest musical inspiration and musical mentor to this day. She not only taught me everything I know as a violinist, but also instilled in me a deep love for music and those who play it.

MSO: Being named concertmaster is an amazing achievement! Could you please tell us more about your history with the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), and how you became concertmaster?

RP: Last May, MYSO’s conductor Les Marsden reached out and asked me if I was interested in the role of acting concertmaster while the current concertmaster was out of state for work. I felt intimidated to be faced with a “real” orchestra at first, but I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I accepted the invitation. When the concertmaster’s move became permanent, I was offered the chance to make my role permanent. I feel very privileged to play alongside the talented, experienced members who I respect and learn so much from.

MSO: What are the differences you’ve experienced between performing with your high school orchestras & bands, Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra?

RP: Over my 12 years of being a part of the music community and the performing arts, I have played alongside many different groups and interacted with many different types of people. That’s my favorite part of my musical variety. Across my school programs, my district orchestra, MSYO, and MYSO, I’ve been challenged in multiple ways and have needed to adapt to different situations and people in order to make the best music possible.

For example, my school programs tend to perform simpler music than my orchestral groups, but are much more competitive due to the nature of band reviews and CMEA competitions. I would consider MYSO my greatest challenge, as we not only play very difficult music, but it is also a group of mostly adults, which adds to the pressure of being concertmaster. Nonetheless, across all of my groups there is a level of respect and camaraderie maintained that is unlike any other.

MSO: Now that you’ve performed in all various ensembles and solo, which do you prefer?

RP: I consider myself a very extroverted person and I like to do things with others in general, so naturally I prefer to play in ensembles than in solo. Since I was little I’ve always been fascinated by the way instruments harmonize with one another, despite differences in appearance, pitch, or method of playing. Seeing a piece come together after weeks of hard work is so satisfying to me, and MSYO has given me that satisfaction countless times over the years. Being able to share this joy with the students and musicians around me is a priceless feeling.

MSO: What have you enjoyed about your experience with the MSYO and what do you look forward to this upcoming season?

RP: I’ve grown up not only as a musician, but as a person as well over the years I’ve been in MSYO. The memories, experiences, and friendships we’ve built here at MSYO are something so unique and precious, and I’m sure I’ll cherish them as long as I play music. As my senior year creeps closer and closer, I’d just like to focus on enjoying every moment, every song, and every concert.

This upcoming concert, I’m so excited to finally be able to perform under the direction of MSO Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray. Lastly, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the parents, music educators, and MSO/MSYO staff for supporting our musical journey. I can’t wait to share our beautiful selections with those who love the music as much as we do.