msyo

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

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.


See rylan and the msyo perform!

Come watch the MSYO perform Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky this February 10th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!


Music Education is Fundamental

Support music education and support the future of our community!

Now through the February, the MSO is celebrating our music education programs that provide the fundamentals of fostering the next generation of community leaders and builders. You can help support our community’s youth by giving today!

LIVE / MSYO Virtual Season Finale Concert

Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Virtual Season Finale Concert

HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY

Tune in live and watch the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s virtual Season Finale Concert! This virtual concert will feature both MSYO orchestras performing pieces by Bizet, Grieg, Puccini, and Rossini as well as two MSYO student soloists!


PROGRAM

MSYO CONCERT ORCHESTRA

  • Edvard Grieg, arr. Merle J. Isaac
    Norwegian Dances Nos. 2 & 3

  • Georges Bizet, arr. Merle J. Isaac
    “Farandole” from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2

MSYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

  • Gioachino Rossini 
    Overture to The Barber of Seville

  • Giacomo Puccini
    “Intermezzo” from Manon Lescaut

  • Edvard Grieg
    “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt Suite

STUDENT SOLOISTS

FRANCISCO ORTIZ, TRUMPET

  • Remo Giazotto & Tomaso Albinoni, transcribed by Giovanni Orsomando
    Adagio in G Minor

RYAN GURULE, CELLO

  • Sergei Prokofiev
    Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 119

    • II. Moderato - Andante dolce - Moderato primo


We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!

Thank you to our generous MSYO donors whose gifts made the 2020-21 MSYO season possible. Click here for further information on how you can support MSYO, or contact Carole Richard, Director of Development, at crichard@modestosymphony.org, or call 209-523-4156. Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE.

If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.

LIVE / MSYO Virtual Spring Concert

Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Virtual Spring Concert

HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY

Tune in live and watch the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s virtual Spring Concert! This concert will feature both MSYO orchestras performing movements from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony as well as three MSYO student soloists!


PROGRAM

MSYO CONCERT ORCHESTRA

  • Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. Sandra Dackow:
    Dance of the Tumblers from “Snow Maiden”

  • Beethoven, arranged by Charles Woodhouse:
    “Finale” from 5th Symphony

MSYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

  • Mascagni:
    “Intermezzo” from Cavalleria rusticana  

  • Dvořák:
    Symphony No. 9, op. 95 (“New World”), IV. Allegro con fuoco 

MSYO STUDENT SOLOISTS

RYLAN POST, VIOLIN

  • Bériot:
    Concerto No. 9 in A Minor, Op. 104, I. Allegro maestoso 

BELLA DAVILA, CELLO

  • Marcello:
    Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2, I. Adagio & II. Allegro 

MIKE CHEN, FLUTE

  • Telemann:
    Ouverture Suite in A Minor, TWV 55:a2, V. Réjouissance


We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!

This series is free to all and supported in part by Ceres Pipe & Metal, by Doug & Susan Highiet, and Freda & Rod Motto. Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE.

If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.

45 Years of Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra

In 1976, a junior orchestra was formed by a dedicated core of string teachers in Stanislaus County to support school music programs, and to give student musicians a full orchestra experience. By 1980, the Stanislaus Youth Symphony (SYS) was formed, sponsored by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO). 

By the late 80’s, SYS was renamed the Modesto Symphony Stanislaus Youth Orchestra (MSSYO) as a joint effort between the MSO and music teachers from the public schools. The MSSYO was organized under the leadership of Dr. James Klein as their music director and Senior Division conductor, with Will Aprile as their Junior Division conductor. The orchestra has evolved over the years and provides young musicians with an advanced level of musical literature in a challenging environment.

MSYO.jpg

By the 1990s, the now named Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) started to gain national attention. In 1993, after passing a rigorous selection process and raising a large amount of funds, the Senior Orchestra was off on an experience of a lifetime--performing at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Playing a program of music by Schuber, Copeland, and Beethoven, the orchestra was rewarded with a standing ovation. Although three orchestras were on the evening program, including one professional orchestra, only the MSYO received such a response. Since then, the MSYO has toured in Europe, Canada, Japan, as well as many performances throughout California. They also returned to Carnegie Hall in 2002 and 2014.

Andrew Norman, giving a talk before concert in 2015.

Andrew Norman, giving a talk before concert in 2015.

The MSYO recorded its first CD in 1997, which includes a performance of Metamorphosis, a composition by then MSYO principal violist, Andrew Norman. Norman, now a Grammy-nominated composer, has returned to his home symphony throughout his career. The MSO has also featured a few of Norman’s pieces in their programs including Gran Turismo for Violin Octet, performed in 2012, Poem for Orchestra in 1998, and Drip Blip Sparkle Spin Glint Glide Glow Float Flop Chop Pop Shatter Splash! performed in 2015. The LA Phil also won a grammy in 2019 for their recorded performance of his piece, Sustain. Sustain was also one of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalists in Music.

In 2019, the MSO invited four MSYO alumni back as featured soloists: Matthew Ennis, saxophone, Jonathan Altman, violin, Madeline Olson, harp, and Andrew Grishaw, violin. These young performers studied at some of the nation’s best academic institutions including the San Francisco Conservatory, Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, and The Juilliard School.

Now in it’s 45th Season, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra continues to serve young musicians and their families from more than 40 public and private schools in the Central Valley. This season will open with a virtual Fall Concert on November 18th live on the MSO YouTube channel. The MSYO students and staff have been rehearsing digitally and are excited to share their music with friends and family all over the world.

LIVE / MSO at Home: Spotlight on the MSYO

MSO at Home: Spotlight on the MSYO

FEATURING RYAN MURRAY & DON GRISHAW

HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY

Tune in and catch performances by MSYO Music Director Ryan Murray on bassoon, conductor Don Grishaw will be joined by his son (an MSYO alum) for a viola duet, and a virtual string quartet performance by some of our MSYO students and alumni!


PROGRAM to Include:

  • Ryan Murray on bassoon

  • Don and Andrew Grishaw performing a viola duet

  • The MSYO String Quartet performing a piece by Vivaldi

  • Selections from past MSYO concerts


We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!

This virtual performance is free to all and supported in part by H. Dieter and Hanna Renning.
Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE

If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.