IGNITE. ENCOURAGE. ENRICH.

   

OSYO Alumni

The OSYO has played a major part in my growth as a musician . Practicing with other musicians every week, preparing for the concerts, the retreats and of course Vienna – are all experiences that went a long way in building my confidence . Colin Clarke is a great motivator and one couldn ’t ask for a better conductor for our age group . Together with Carol Allen, they will ensure that every musician joining the OSYO family will thoroughly enjoy the experience . My years with the OSYO helped me with being selected for the Young Artists Award with the Oakville Symphony . As I prepare to start university in September, I hope to continue nurturing my love for music that was formed with the OSYO .
Alex Balan
The OSYO has been an amazing experience for my daughter. This phenomenal organization elevates the individual talents of each musician to a new level as they learn to support each other, listen to each other, and work as a team in the context of an orchestra. The incredible experiences offered by the OSYO, such as music retreats and our trip to Vienna, have helped young musicians learn that individually they are great but together they can be something quite amazing. The OSYO staff genuinely care for their musicians and help them reach their own individual goals. This has been an incredible, life-changing and unforgettable experience. Thank you, OSYO!
Cynthia Franklin

OSYO Symphony 2023-24 Graduates

My name is Benjamin Tong and I play the violin in the OSYO. I started playing with the OSYO in 2018. I have been a part of the Philharmonia and Symphony orchestras, as well as helping out occasionally with the Chamber Orchestra and Youth band. I enjoy reading, watching movies, and working out. I’m going to Queen’s for Health Sciences in the hopes of becoming a doctor. My favourite memory from the OSYO was being able to make connections with some of my closest friends and hanging out with them during rehearsal.

To anyone who’s considering joining OSYO, I would highly recommend it. It’s a great time and you get to meet some really fun people. What’s more is that it’s a great experience to learn and practice as a group and you really feel the sense of community within the orchestra (not to mention you get to play some cool music)

My name is Kareena Saggar and I am a violinist in the OSYO! I have been playing in the orchestra since 2017-2018, and have been in all four orchestras! I started playing in both Sinfonia and Philharmonia, and made my way up to Symphony, while also volunteering in the Chamber Orchestra with the Youth Band. My plans for post-secondary are rooted in law, as I hope to do international development and business in undergrad to eventually go to law school. My best memory from the OSYO was in 2022, when we played Conga del Fuego Nuevo. There is a passage in that piece that I love, and playing it was such a special moment to me. My statement to new OSYO members: To the newest members of OSYO, I want to share something from my wonderful experiences in this orchestra; As you embark on these next amazing years with the OSYO, I want you to know that you're not just joining an orchestra; you're becoming a part of something truly special. In the next few years, you'll experience moments that will shape you, inspire you, and stay with you forever. This program isn't just an orchestra—it's a way to forge lifetime connections, build relationships and bonds that will last a lifetime. You will laugh together, learn together, make mistakes together and finish triumphant concerts together. Together, you will grow in this community which is full of unforgettable experiences, cherished memories, and eternal bonds.

My name is Rylee Gill. I play the violin and joined the OSYO during the 2022-2023 season. I had previously played for school and youth orchestras in the areas I lived in, including the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony and my school’s chamber orchestra.

My favourite memory from the OSYO was walking in the freezing cold and violent winds with Jacob to get a cupcake for Laura’s birthday. I use my free time to play volleyball, participate in activism, and play with my cats. Next year I am planning to pursue business and international relations at the University of Florida.

Hello! My name is Ethelyn Fu and I play violin in the OSYO! I joined last year as part of the symphony which is the only orchestra I've played in. Some of my interests are soap, cross-stitching and biology/chem, which are my favorite subjects in general. My post-secondary plans involve either attending UofT Life Science or McMaster Health Science, which I'm debating between because I'm not yet set on if I'm interested in med school in the future or not.

My best memory from the OSYO was this one time I came with a friend to test what being in the symphony was like about two, three years ago. I was absolutely bewildered. Nothing made sense. Music was just playing and I couldn't even see the stand. To any new members I think that the most important thing is to try to have fun, since that's the whole highlight of going to symphony 🙂

Angel Gao is a young musician currently studying at White Oaks Secondary School as a grade 12 student. She began her harp studies in 2018 under the guidance of Dr. Teresa Suen-Campbell. Angel has achieved outstanding accomplishments, including the Bronze Medal in the 2023 Vancouver International Music Competition and First Place in the Ontario Music Festival.

Since 2022, Angel has held the position of principal harpist with the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra. With a passion for the harp, Angel is on the path to achieving her dream of becoming a professional harpist.

OSYO Symphony 2022-23 Graduates

Jacob Caporiccio’s virtuosic technique has soared audiences through his “operatic, focused, and ethereal” qualities.

Jacob has held the position of Principal Flute of the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra since 2019, under the direction of the illustrious, Colin Clarke, and has also worked with the Oakville Symphony Orchestra, York Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, among others. Additionally, Jacob previously studied with Susan Hoeppner at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, where he deepened his knowledge with the nostalgic repertoire for the flute as a soloist and chamber partner.

Jacob is a dedicated student, participating in classes with Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, Ransom Wilson, Jeanne Baxtresser, Jennifer Gunn, and Marina Piccinini, and has worked closely with Ulla Miilmann and Kelly Zimba-Lukic. Jacob is forever in debt to his teachers; acclaimed Canadian flautist – Leslie Newman.

This September, Jacob will be attending the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Samuel Coles.

OSYO Alumni

The OSYO has been an amazing experience for my daughter. This phenomenal organization elevates the individual talents of each musician to a new level as they learn to support each other, listen to each other, and work as a team in the context of an orchestra. The incredible experiences offered by the OSYO, such as music retreats and our trip to Vienna, have helped young musicians learn that individually they are great but together they can be something quite amazing. The OSYO staff genuinely care for their musicians and help them reach their own individual goals. This has been an incredible, life-changing and unforgettable experience. Thank you, OSYO!

Cynthia Franklin

The OSYO has played a major part in my growth as a musician.
Practicing with other musicians every week, preparing for the concerts, the retreats and of course Vienna - are all experiences that went a long way in building my confidence. Colin Clarke is a great motivator and one couldn't ask for a better conductor for our age group. Together with Carol Allen, they will ensure that every musician joining the OSYO family will thoroughly enjoy the experience. My years with the OSYO helped me with being selected for the Young Artists Award with the Oakville Symphony. As I prepare to start university in September, I hope to continue nurturing my love for music that was formed with the OSYO.

Alex Balan