Northern Utah Youth Symphony, Tyler Morgan to perform first concert of the year

A combination of string instruments and woodwinds make up any ordinary orchestra, but the Northern Utah Youth Symphony is no ordinary orchestra.

The symphony's musicians use those same instruments but the difference is that pre-teens and teenagers from the sixth grade up across five counties get to practice and play music. 

The Northern Utah Youth Symphony will perform its first concert of the year on Saturday in Ogden High School's auditorium.

Meeting every Saturday morning since Sept. 15, the members of the symphony have worked hard to put together their upcoming concert. 

Julie Gardner, the symphony's managing director, said she has been pleased with the work that's been put in at this point. 

"This is the best group of kids in the world," Gardner said. "Who else would give up a Saturday morning to play classical music?"

Gardner also said she feels like classical music is vital for younger generations to understand.

"I think classical music should be important for everybody," Gardner said. "I think it's so important to give these opportunities to the youth. Playing music is a lifelong skill and our orchestra is like the ultimate team sport. It's a skill you take with you your whole life."

In addition to the symphony's performance, there will be solo selections from principal bassist Tyler Morgan, a junior at Logan High School. 

Gardner said she has high praise for Morgan's ability as a musician.

"He is a fabulous musician," Gardner said. "He just feels the music like it's a part of him. There aren't many bass players that can play to that caliber."

Morgan lives a busy life taking classes at Logan High School, playing for other orchestras and teaching private bass lessons in his home after school. He is entering his second year with the youth symphony and said he enjoys being with such a special group of people. 

Morgan said the practices are the most rewarding part. "When I'm there, it's immersive," he said. "It's literally the best experience you could ever have."

Morgan has been playing the upright bass for eight years.

"I'd always wanted to play," Morgan said. "When I started out it was a hobby thing, but when I got into eighth grade I got stuck playing more professional music and that's really kept me with it. I was really attracted to the low frequency and I just enjoy loving it." 

Morgan said he has the same thoughts as Gardner about the importance of classical music for younger audiences.

"If everyone could understand what makes it work, I feel like they would enjoy it much more," Morgan said. "I love how classical music feels in my head. It's been around for a long time and it's just classic. That's why it's called classical."

The symphony will have two more concerts with two different guest performers next year, at Logan High School on Feb. 23 and Box Elder High School on April 23.