By: Suzanne Tucker
Behind every great performance is a young person learning not only how to play an instrument, but how to listen, collaborate, persevere, and lead. At the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO), musical excellence is the goal—but personal growth is the outcome. This year, several GYSO students exemplify what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, mentorship, and a supportive artistic community.
Violinist Veniamin Duarte recently earned national recognition when he was selected to perform with the Honors Performance Series Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, one of the most prestigious stages in the world. A violinist since age five, Veniamin credits his growth not only to disciplined practice, but to the experiences he’s gained performing alongside peers who share his passion. As concertmaster of GYSO’s String Symposium chamber ensemble and a member of the GYSO Symphony Orchestra, he has learned that orchestra life teaches far more than notes on a page—it builds confidence, responsibility, and respect. “Playing in an orchestra helps me express myself,” he says, “and teaches me organization and accountability.” These are lessons that will serve him well, whether onstage or beyond.
That same sense of poise and purpose was on display when Edward Schilke, a French horn player in the GYSO Symphony, was invited to perform as bugler at the 2025 Golden Eagle Luncheon, an event that raised more than $2.5 million for the Atlanta Area Council of Scouting America. Edward opened the ceremony by soloing “To the Color”before nearly one thousand attendees—an extraordinary responsibility for a young musician, and one he carried with professionalism and confidence.
For Avery Lawson, a senior violinist in the GYSO Symphony, years of dedication have led to her acceptance as a music major at the University of Georgia, where she was admitted through early decision. Her achievement reflects not only her musical skill, but the long-term impact of consistent training, ensemble experience, and mentorship—hallmarks of the GYSO experience.
And then there’s Ari Sherman, whose musical curiosity knows few boundaries. A multi-instrumentalist who plays trumpet, piano, and upright bass, Ari has already performed in a high school pit orchestra and jazz band—while still in middle school. His recent summers included study at the Philadelphia International Music Festival and the New York Jazz Academy, capped off by performing at a New York jazz club. For fun, Ari transposes video game music into piano arrangements, blending creativity with technical skill. He approaches music not just as performance, but as exploration—and he’s eager to bring that curiosity into his next season with GYSO.
These students are different ages, play different instruments, and pursue different paths—but they share something essential: access to a program that challenges them artistically while nurturing them as individuals. Organizations like GYSO don’t just train musicians; they help shape thoughtful, disciplined, and creative young people who carry these skills into every part of their lives.
As we reflect on this year and look ahead, stories like these remind us why youth arts education matters—and why community support makes such a lasting difference. Every rehearsal, performance, and opportunity is made possible by people who believe in the power of music to shape the next generation.
As we close out the year, we invite you to support the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and help ensure that more young musicians have access to the training, mentorship, and opportunities that turn passion into lifelong success.
