As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, we’re excited to feature a new storytelling series in The Score, written by Paige Perkins and told through the voice of our fictional friend, Pert- the GSO’s most enthusiastic (and possibly longest-serving) supporter. With humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Southern charm, Pert will guide readers through the GSO’s early days and its evolution into the vibrant organization it is today.
Written by lifelong music lover and natural storyteller Paige Perkins, these monthly tales offer a delightful peek behind the curtain of our rich history.
We hope you’ll follow along-and as Pert would say, “Stay out of treble!”
I don’t know about you but I don’t like being told I’m old. I know how old I am and I don’t need reminding. My birth certificate swears I’m in my 90’s, but I feel about 40 in my head and 20 in my heart. I surround myself with young people, and I guess it rubs off on me.
I don’t know if I’ve told you this story or not, so stop me if you’ve heard it. My nieces say the story isn’t true unless Aunt Pert tells it three times. Those girls are pistols but it’s not a lie!
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, when the Georgia Symphony Orchestra decided they were going to have a youth symphony orchestra, I wasn’t sold on the idea. I didn’t know too many young people who were playing symphonic music. I knew a few neighbor children in their school marching band, and a few friends who let their children play rock and roll out in the garage, probably so they didn’t have to hear it. But, no young person I knew was playing a cello or a bassoon. I just didn’t think we’d have much interest.
Oh boy was I wrong!
Since it was founded in 2006, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) has become the largest youth orchestra program in the southeast. It’s more than just one group too. There are five orchestras, a jazz ensemble, a percussion ensemble, and instrumental chamber ensembles. The musicians come from elementary schools through high school and earn their place through a very competitive audition process.
It’s all led by Nathaniel Parker, excuse me, DR. Nathanial Parker. He’s worked hard to surround our young musicians with an extraordinary array of gifted educators who are also talented musicians in their own right. This combination has produced wonderful results.
One of my favorite ensembles within the GYSO is the flute choir. It’s exactly what you imagine, beautiful music performed entirely on all manner of flutes. I didn’t even know there were that many different types of flutes. I think my favorite performance of theirs was “Little Red Monkey” by Jack Jordan. What a delight! The trilling and beautiful bounce of it all made me think I was surrounded by birdsong – a flock of flutes if you will!
If you know a young musician, let them know registration for live auditions is open now until May 1. We’re always looking for new talent! And, if you’ve not had the pleasure of hearing the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, I hope you’ll come to their concert on May 17th at the Kennesaw State Bailey Performance Center. It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday. My nieces are going with me because they both have students in the GYSO. Did I tell you they are both public school teachers? Well if I did, I better tell it one more time so you’ll know it’s true!
Until next time, stay out of treble!
Pert
To learn more about the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, visit gyso.org. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open until May 1.
