The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is a group of talented young students dedicated to playing music with fellow music lovers.

The group gives players in the Maple Valley and surrounding areas a chance to unite with other students without traveling far distances. The symphony is a combination of students in both high school and middle schools in Maple Valley and other neighboring Southeast King County cities.

The symphony, which is in it’s fourth year of existence, was founded by head director Elisa Lewis.

Lewis saw the need for additional outlet of music for young musicians in the area other than school bands. The group was intended to help give youth the chance to grow and become accomplished orchestra musicians.

“The orchestra gives the kids the opportunity to stay out of trouble and learn outside of the classroom,” Lewis said.

April Whyte, the Conductor and Artistic Director, also shares a passion of teaching children the art of music.

Whyte has worked with musicians all across the state. Once a viola player for the Olympia Symphony, she has both taught privately and large groups of students as she does for the Maple Valley Youth Symphony.

Whyte also currently works as an Orchestra Specialist for the Bethell School district and coaches strings for Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia.

The group has been given the opportunity to share their talents with audiences across King County.

In December the group gave its annual Holiday Sing-A-Long concert. The band has played for both the Maple Valley Rotary Auction at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue and the Corner of Love charity auction in Renton.

Upcoming events include performances at Seattle Thunderbirds Game on Friday at Showare Center in Kent in addition to A Grand Affair Waltz Gala on Feb. 4 at Lake Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley.

Lisa Collins liked the chance of giving her son, percussion player Austin Collins, the option to play music with other kids his age. He began with a week long summer camp with the MVYSO and he liked it more than school band, Lisa Collins explained.

“Austin has been playing drums for the past year and loves playing in Philharmonic Orchestra, and is looking to playing in the symphony next year,” she said.

Michaela Welch a ninth grader at Covent High School and is a recent addition to the orchestra. She began playing with the group last quarter. She believes playing with the symphony has helped shape her as an individual.

“I like the opportunity to play with kids my age,” Welch said. “I will admit I was quite nervous to being playing music with a large group of kids.”

Many of the MVYSO members are also members of the Tahoma High School band.

“The most difficult part is practicing and preparing music for concerts,” said sophomore Jackie Hickman, who plays cello.

“The music is fun to play and I love meeting new people through my love of music,” said sophomore Hannah Crites.

The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra mid season auditions were held on Jan. 5 and 12 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

Students who are interested in joining any of the groups should contact the youth symphony by calling 425-358-1640 or e-mailing elisa@mvyso.org.

Students will have chance to observe a rehearsal session with the group. Observers will get the chance to schedule an audition to find the right placement among the MVYSO.

For more information about the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and contact information visit www.mvyso.org.

Tishayla Lewis is a student at Auburn Mountainview High School. She can be reached through Kris Hill at khill@maplevalleyreporter.com