With a new director this season and many talented new string players, the Uintah Basin Youth Chamber Orchestra is inviting the community to the first concert of their season, taking place tomorrow night. The organization’s new director, Mariska Martin, has an impressive background as a violinist, starting at the age of 3 and progressing until attending USU where she received her degree in Music Education. Mariska taught orchestra in the classroom for nearly a decade, including within Duchesne County School District for three years before transitioning to teach private lessons in order to be home with her kids. When the opportunity arose, Mariska applied for the position of the UBYCO executive director and was a natural fit. “I have been very impressed with how many students in our area have been interested and committed to being part of this orchestra,” shares Mariska. “The majority of them are high school kids and they are so busy. It’s wonderful to see their willingness to sacrifice their time to pursue music. I’ve loved working with them because they all really want to be there and want to learn. I hope that the youth orchestra can be a place where they can have fun making music and spending time with their friends, but also where they can stretch, grow, and be challenged as musicians.” The community is invited to the UBYCO concert tomorrow, November 21st, at 7pm at the Vernal Christian Church. They will be performing an advanced program, titled “Music Through the Ages” that will feature 4 pieces, each from a different time period/genre of music: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. For more information on UBYCO, including the process for youth to audition, email ubycomusic@gmail.com.
