Peninsula Youth Orchestra Interview

Ron Boucher is the Program Manager for the Peninsula Youth Orchestra. He has served the peninsula since 1992, forming the Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts, and the Community Alliance for the Performing Arts Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing talented youth. In light of the upcoming concert at The American Theatre, we asked Ron about his time with the Peninsula Youth Orchestra/Soundscapes.

American Theatre: For viewers who may not be aware, can you tell us about what Soundscapes does and how it benefits the community?

Ron Boucher: Soundscapes’ mission is to invest in our communities by providing immersive, engaging music-making and ensemble performance opportunities for young people to strengthen social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills.

AT: What is the age range of musicians in your organization?

RB: Youth musicians up to age 25.

AT: What is the Peninsula Youth Orchestra?

RB: Peninsula Youth Orchestra is a community orchestra for young musicians up to age 25. Local musician Elizabeth Chapman started a youth string orchestra in 1960. By the end of the decade, it had expanded to a full symphony orchestra under the name Peninsula Youth Orchestra. In 2020, the Board enthusiastically voted to turn over management of the program, and PYO became an official program of Soundscapes. Our 2022-2023 season runs from October to May.

AT: What are the requirements for youth to be a part of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra?

RB: For each ensemble (Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra), the requirements include scales, notation knowledge, and demonstration of abilities. Individuals must be available for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings and for performances throughout the year.

AT: How many of your performance pieces are written by students in your organization?

RB: Our February concerts are dedicated to playing compositions from new composers. In addition, PYO does a collective composition where our most advanced students write a piece together and premier it at the concert.

AT: Tell us about the upcoming performances for the Peninsula Youth Orchestra and how we can get tickets to performances before they sell out like the performance on December 4th.

RB: We are hoping for a repeat for our concerts on February 5th, March 26th, and May 21, 2023, Ticket are free, through reservation on the Eventbrite Website.

AT: Lastly, what is your favorite part about being a Peninsula Youth Orchestra Program Manager?

RB: There is a personal gratification in seeing a young person thrive, even better when it is through the arts. Seeing a grumpy face turn into a beautiful smile just minutes after picking up their instrument and joining the group makes my position all worth the while. Working with a team who share the same philosophy and goals, to help our youth, continues to be inspirational and moving.

Admission is free! Reserve your spot for the February 5th show here.