Shady Side Academy violinist accepted into Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra
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A Shady Side Academy junior auditioned and won a spot in the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO), one of the oldest and most advanced children’s music groups in the country.
Hector Lampert-Bates, 16, a violinist, said his acceptance into the prestigious orchestra comes as a relief, after having auditioned two years in a row.
“It’s one of the best orchestras in the state, so it’s an honor to be a part of it,” he said.
The youth symphony comprises up to 90 members between the ages of 14 and 20. It hosts annual auditions for new members and draws from about 30 schools in the tri-state area, according to the group’s website.
The mission is to cultivate discipline, fine musicianship and an overall appreciation for excellence.
Lampert-Bates started playing the violin on a whim at age 4, after moving to Squirrel Hill from his hometown of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
“There was a violin teacher who lived next door, so I began to take lessons,” he said. “At that point, I wasn’t very serious, so these lessons were mostly about how to hold the instrument.”
His passion grew, and he moved on to lessons at the City Music Center of Duquesne University and has performed with several orchestras, including the Young People’s Orchesta, a part of the Three Rivers Young People’s Orchestra.
In 2018, Lampert-Bates traveled with them to perform in Prague; Vienna; and Budapest, Hungary.
A member of the SSA Senior School String Orchestra, he now studies under Peter Snitkovsky, recently retired from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Music teacher Dan Brill, director of SSA choirs, said Lampert-Bates is very bright with a quick mind and amiable personality.
“Last year, he was willing to lead our Second Violin section even though the parts were well below his advanced technical skill level,” Brill said. “He helped less technically skilled players by demonstrating fingerings and bowings to enable them to make a significant contribution to the group.”
When he’s not studying music, Lampert-Bates is playing it for enjoyment, having formed a string quartet with his friends at school. He also is the head of the Go Club, where members learn the ancient Asian board game of the same name.
Typically, the PYSO performs three concerts per season at Heinz Hall that are free and open to the public. The teens also play locally at Carnegie Music Hall and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.
Because of covid-19 and its lingering effects on business openings and crowd capacities, Lampert-Bates said the group might perform virtually.
“There also was a trip planned for us to play in the Baltics, but I’m not sure if that will happen,” he said.
Either way, he is thrilled to be a part of one of the oldest student musician groups in the country.
“After months of hard work, it’s a relief,” he said.