facebook
twitter
linkedin
Written by current PYO student, Kevin Cheng.
When I first joined PYOMI in 2022, I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I had always enjoyed playing regular band music at my school, and I just thought this would be another way to challenge myself and play more. I never expected that over time, PYOMI would help me to enjoy classical music. Now, as one of the percussionists in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, it’s crazy to look back and see how much PYOMI has shaped my high school experience.
At first, I joined simply because I enjoyed normal music and wanted to push myself. But PYOMI quickly became more than just rehearsals and concerts. It became something I looked forward to every single week. Some of my favorite moments aren’t even the big performances, but the small rehearsal moments that most people would never see. It’s working through a tough passage together, locking in as an ensemble when it comes to it, or even just sitting there and listening to the different instruments come together. Performing in major venues is always amazing, but what makes the experience special isn’t always the stage – it’s knowing how many early Saturday mornings and long rehearsals it took to get there.
One of my most memorable Saturday memories actually came from a rehearsal when Maestro Scaglione would keep stopping the strings to redo the same passage over and over again. As a percussionist, I had already counted dozens of measures of rest, carefully tracking each bar so I wouldn’t miss my entrance. However, just when it was finally my turn to play, he would stop and restart from the earlier place. At first, I felt frustrated, but over time, I began to understand the level of precision and detail required to make the orchestral sound truly exceptional. I realized that even when I wasn’t playing, I still had a responsibility to stay fully engaged and couldn’t slack off. If I lost count or mentally checked out, I could miss my entrance and disrupt the entire orchestra. That rehearsal taught me that excellence isn’t just about the moments when you’re heard, but rather about the focus and discipline you maintain when you’re waiting to be heard.
What surprised me most is how much PYO has impacted my life outside of music. Being part of such a high-level group forces you to grow. I’ve learned how to manage my time better, especially balancing school, sports, and music. I’ve learned discipline by showing up prepared, even when I’m tired or busy. I’ve also learned how to push through challenges instead of plainly giving up just because something is difficult.
Over time, I’ve also grown more confident not only as a musician, but as a person. When you’re constantly surrounded by talented and hardworking people, you naturally step up.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from PYOMI is how to stay composed under pressure. This very lesson is something I’ve carried directly into soccer.
When performing, it is essential you don’t rush a tempo or lose focus for even a second as you can get lost which will impact the whole orchestra negatively. Throughout my years in PYOMI, I’ve learned to trust my preparation and mentally stay focused especially when things get hard. I then started applying this same mindset during high-stakes soccer matches in tournaments. Instead of panicking and losing all confidence after a simple mistake, I began approaching big moments, like taking a penalty, the same way I approach a difficult entrance in rehearsal. I remain calm, remind myself I am prepared, and focused on my role within the team.
Another lesson I learned is that, just like in orchestra, soccer isn’t about standing out individually; it’s about timing, awareness, and trusting the players around you. PYO taught me that discipline and composure create confidence, and that lesson has made me a stronger athlete as well as a musician.
When I think about what PYO means to me now, it’s more than just an orchestra. It’s a place where I’ve grown, built friendships, pursued my passion, and learned lessons that go far beyond music.
It’s taught me commitment, teamwork, and what it really means to care deeply about something. I know those are lessons I’ll carry with me through my life even when my time in the orchestra ends.
I’m truly grateful to be a part of a community that continues to inspire me and push me to do better every week.
Kevin Cheng, PYO
Interested in PYOMI?
Explore our Programs and Audition