Utah Youth Symphony

Utah Youth Symphony Seek Beauty, Create Harmony, Scatter Joy

As Utah’s first youth orchestra, Utah Youth Symphony’s vision is to educate and inspire young musicians through exceptional ensemble training and performance opportunities in classical music.

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
06/16/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Kay Spillett, UYPhil Violin

Kay is graduating from Alta High School. She has served as section leader in multiple ensembles on different instruments, Concertmaster, and President of Alta's Orchestra. She has also consistently earned Superior ratings at Region and State Solo & Ensemble, as well as at Federation. This year, she was named Alta's Instrumental Sterling Scholar.

Kay chose the violin because, as she explains, “I thought the violin was cool, and my brother also wanted to play it so we both got one for Christmas, and we had to share. After I started playing, I loved all the different techniques and sounds it made, and being able to play in an orchestra was what I dreamed of.”

When asked what she has liked about her experience in UYPhil, Kay says, “I love that we get to play advanced repertoire with even better musicians! What I love even more is Barb!!”

Kay loves all things music. She plays clarinet in Wind Symphony, tenor saxophone in Jazz Band, mellophone in Marching Band, and percussion in Winterline Indoor Percussion.

After graduation, Kay will serve an LDS mission in Japan. Upon her return, she plans to attend the University of Utah, where she will major in Biology and Violin Performance.

When asked what she would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Kay says, “I know Barb says it all the time, but it's really true that there should be nothing to be scared of in this ensemble! I have enjoyed every rehearsal making music with everybody else and made new friends through being here! Best experience ever!”

Best wishes to Kay!


Kay
Barb Scowcroft
U of U School of Music
U of U College of Fine Arts
The University of Utah

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
06/08/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Eleanor Davis, UYPhil Cello

Eleanor is graduating from Mountain Ridge High School. She recently had the opportunity to play in the Side-by-Side concert with the Utah Symphony. She was selected to the full All-State Orchestra, earned Superior ratings at both regional and state Solo & Ensemble, and was nominated as Orchestra Council President at Mountain Ridge High School.

Eleanor chose the cello because, as she explains, “The cello is the best instrument! All truth aside, in elementary school, I always wanted to be in orchestra. However, I never had the means to rent an instrument. This was the case until one of my cousins wanted to pass down their cello to me.”

When asked what she has liked about her experience in UYPhil, Eleanor says, “UYS and UYPhil experiences are always more fun when we are up to shenanigans. Whether that be getting lost during our breaks or scheming with our guest conductors, there is never a dull moment!”

Outside of music, Eleanor enjoys video games. “Video games always seem to find their way to me," she says. “Their comfy, cozy nature takes my mind off the hustle and bustle of life. Nintendo stole my heart as a kid, and it’s not stopped since.”

After graduation, Eleanor will attend the University of Utah, where she plans to study cello performance.

When asked what she would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Eleanor says, “To young and old musicians joining new ensembles, I understand that the hardest thing is putting yourself and your practice out for everyone to see. That is where the secret lies. When you train yourself to not be ashamed of messing up, it is when you stop sweating the small things. THINK BIG; think of the big picture!”

Best wishes to Eleanor!






We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
06/07/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Oliver Croft, UYS Oboe

Oliver is graduating from Highland High School as Valedictorian and will receive an Honors Diploma. He was a semifinalist Sterling Scholar in Computer Technology, served as president of Highland’s Instrumental Music Council, and will receive multiple CTE medallions.

Oliver chose the oboe because, as he explains, “ I was sick of the violin. I had taken lessons for about three years, and (at that point) hated the violin, so I decided to play oboe in band. Now I play both pretty well and realised that I truly love music!”

When asked what he has liked about his experience in UYS, Oliver says, “ I have loved being able to play in a full orchestra. It is an experience that I absolutely love, and something I think that every musician should do at least once in their life.”

In addition to music, Oliver is super interested in computers. He builds, sells, and fixes them, and loves tinkering with them as well as gaming on them. He currently has an IT internship with the SLC government!

After graduation, Oliver will attend the University of Michigan, where he will major in Oboe Performance.

When asked what he would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Oliver says, “ Learn to love the music! So often we get so caught up in the stress of practicing and rehearsal that we begin to think of the music as nothing more than work. Just another chore that we need to get done. If we take a step back and listen to the music, to all the different parts and hear how every member of the orchestra works together, then we can begin to appreciate the beauty of the music. From there we can begin to love it, and once we love it we can give it life. To quote Delyana Lazarova, "My favorite piece is the one I am performing this week". Learn to love the music you are playing, and only then can you take it to the next level.”

Best wishes to Oliver!






We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
06/05/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Peter Chapa, UYPhil Violin

Peter is graduating from West High School. Through UYPhil, Peter has loved learning to play with other musicians and says the experience has “greatly increased his ability to be a dedicated and contributing member of an orchestra.”

When asked why he chose the violin, Peter says,  “I chose the violin because I loved how each note wasn't a key, and how much improvisation and character came with the instrument.”

Outside of music, Peter enjoys the outdoors, especially skiing, rock climbing, camping and mountain biking. He also loves hanging out with friends and hacky sack.

After graduation, Peter plans to attend Colorado College, where he is considering majoring in neuroscience while pursuing a minor in music.

When asked what he would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Peter says, “Even if you don't really know many fellow musicians when first joining, I recommend sticking to it. I first joined and felt out of place, surrounded by people who knew how to play in an orchestra. I quickly made many friends and got better at playing with other musicians, and UYPhil has given me so many amazing experiences and taught me so many lessons that I'm grateful for.”

Best wishes to Peter!






Claire Anderson, UYS French HornClaire is graduating from Davis High School as a Dart Scholar and with High Honors. She ...
06/03/2026

Claire Anderson, UYS French Horn

Claire is graduating from Davis High School as a Dart Scholar and with High Honors. She was selected as Davis High School's English Sterling Scholar. Claire also was recently awarded her Associate's Degree in French from Weber State University, also with High Honors.

Claire chose the French Horn because she accepted an invitation from her band director in 10th grade to try it, and the rest is history! She loves it!

When asked what she has liked about her experience in UYS, Claire says, “I have loved playing music in Youth Orchestra and appreciate all the friendships from this experience! There is no better opportunity to learn all things orchestra than with UYS!”

Outside of music (which also includes piano, mellophone, trumpet, and the occasional hot cross buns on the recorder), she loves mountain biking, soccer, basketball, and softball (she plays catcher!). She has been playing sports since she was two years old!

After graduation, Claire plans to attend BYU, but will first serve an 18-month LDS mission to the Korea Busan Mission. 

When asked what she would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Claire says, “Don't give up! You will make so many connections, have awesome experiences, and learn so much!"

Best wishes to Claire!






We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
06/01/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Daniel Junghun Lee, UYPhil Viola

Daniel is graduating from Hillcrest High School. His accomplishments include being named the 2026 All-State Principal Violist, earning an Honorable Certificate at the Marker and Pioneer International Music Competition in 2023, receiving Superior ratings at both Regional and State Solo & Ensemble festivals, being selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Semifinalist, earning AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, and being named a Presidential Scholars Candidate.

Daniel chose the viola because, as he explains, “I wanted to play a niche instrument since everyone, including my brother, plays the violin.”

When asked what he has liked about his experience in UYPhil, Daniel says, “I liked the connections I made with other musicians and learning from Utah Symphony members during small sectionals.”

Outside of music, Daniel enjoys playing volleyball and baseball, playing poker with friends, and taking walks with his dog.

After graduation, Daniel will attend Princeton University, where he plans to major in Economics and pursue a minor in Applied Mathematics or Finance.

When asked what he would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Daniel says, “Know that you’re not going to be alone in learning difficult music and play with confidence!”

Best wishes to Daniel!






We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
06/01/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Jay Lee, UYPhil Violin

Jay is graduating from Hillcrest High School. His accomplishments include being named a Presidential Scholar Candidate, receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, earning AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, serving as an FBLA State Officer, achieving the rank of 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and performing in the Utah Symphony Side-by-Side Concert.

Jay chose the violin because “the piano felt too static and one-dimensional.”

When asked what he has liked about his experience in UYPhil, Jay says, “I liked the exposure to new elements such as repertoire, ensemble, or playing opportunities that are usually not accessible in middle/high school music groups.”

Outside of music, Jay enjoys hanging out with friends, playing bass guitar, and playing pickleball,

After graduation, Jay will attend Princeton University, where he plans to study Electrical and Computer Engineering while pursuing a minor in Music.

When asked what he would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Jay says, “Just enjoy everything and you'll have the best time!”

Best wishes to Jay!






We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
05/29/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Aidan White, UYPhil Violin

Aidan is graduating from Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where he was named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and a candidate for the U.S Presidential Scholars Program.

Aidan chose the violin because, as he says, “I had one or two fiddlers in the family and I wanted to do something slightly similar.”

When asked what he has liked about his experience in UYS, Aidan says, “Being able to play some of the best music with people my age at some incredible venues.”

Outside of music, Aidan enjoys building things, mountain biking, and skiing.

After graduation, Aidan plans to attend the University of Utah to study Electrical Engineering.

When asked what he would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Aidan says, “Let go of the stress, soften your gaze, and play. That's when you do your best.”

Best wishes to Aidan!





We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
05/28/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Ashlynn Newbold, UYS Bassoon

Ashlynn is graduating from Bingham High School. During her high school years, she participated in the Utah All State Bands for four years, traveled to Europe with the Utah Ambassadors of Music in 2023, and was the principal bassoon in the 2025 Side-by-Side concert with the Utah Symphony. Ashlynn has also received the Presidential full-ride scholarship at Utah State University, the Opportunity Scholarship, and she earned the AP Scholar Award with Distinction.

Ashlynn chose the bassoon because “my older sister, who plays oboe, told me to play the bassoon.”

When asked what she has liked about her experience in UYS, Ashlynn says, “The thing I have liked most about being in Utah Youth is the music we play. We always play music that is popular, fun to play, and challenging enough that I need to practice but not too difficult that we cannot play it.”

Outside of playing bassoon, Ashlynn enjoys painting, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

After graduation, Ashlynn is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nagoya Japan. After returning home, she plans to study biology at Utah State University.

When asked what she would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Ashlynn says, “Enjoy every moment in Utah Youth, even when it's hard. Although the music may seem impossible at times and you may not want to go to the rehearsals, your time in Utah Youth will fly by and the music you play in here will be unlike any other music you play.”

Best wishes to Ashlynn!





We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for ...
05/23/2026

We are excited to spotlight our graduating seniors over the next few weeks! We are going to miss them but are happy for what they will do next and the music they will continue to share wherever they go!

Vincent Dao, UYS Violin

Vincent is graduating from American Preparatory Academy West Valley II. During high school, he joined the school musical “Oliver”, learned basic Spanish, became an excellent cook, provided meals for more than 40 students at his school, participated in multiple Helping Hands events, and  lost 40 pounds!

Vincent decided to play the violin in first grade because he thought it would be fun - and he’s still having fun today!

When asked what he has liked about his experience in UYS, Vincent says, “I really liked how it wasn't as stressful compared to my school's orchestra.”

Outside of music, Vicent spends his time training in martial arts and has recently taken up sewing clothes.

After graduation, Vincent plans to spend the summer in Vietnam and look for freelance work.

When asked what he would like to say to future UYS/UYPhil members, Vincent says, “Play with passion. Feel the music resonate with you. Playing music is only half of the experience, and when you start getting into it, it becomes the best feeling you can get.”

Best wishes to Vincent! 






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