Sophomores selected to perform with Empire State Youth Repertory Orchestra

Two RCS students have been selected to perform with the elite Empire State Youth Repertory Orchestra.

Amy Selkirk, who plays the oboe, and Graham Bastian, a tuba player, were selected to play with the orchestra, which meets weekly in Albany and performs at least two concerts a year  by itself and regularly performs with the Empire State Youth Orchestra at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall or Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood in Massachusetts

The Repertory Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra that provides intermediate-level students with challenging rehearsal and performance opportunities. This ensemble stresses fundamental technical and musical skills and the improvement of sight-reading abilities.

RCS Music Teacher Scott Andrews said Selkirk and Bastian auditioned in June and performed at least a level 5 solo (one of the highest levels) during the audition to be selected.

“She is a very talented oboe student,” Andrews said. “She dedicates a tremendous amount of time to her music and truly enjoys it.  Her parents told me last year she practices on her own every day in lieu of doing the dishes.”

He had similar compliments for Bastian, who has played in the Empire State Youth Wind Orchestra the past two years.