Nine EYSO Performers Recognized in All-State Orchestra

(Gadsden, AL - February 8, 2010) Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra Director Michael Gagliardo announces Alabama All-State Orchestra honors for seven EYSO members this year.

The seven selected students have been chosen as some of the top string players in the region. They will join other top players from across the state as members of the 2010 Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival's top orchestra.

EYSO members participating in the event include first violinists Allison Reid and Brianna Ware; second violinists Joycelyn Bradford, Bethany Caudle and Flavia Van De Stadt; violist Hunter Pearce; and cellist Zachary Brooks. Two other members of the EYSO, second violinist Alan Kwan and violist Britne Johnson, were selected for the top orchestra, but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.

Gagliardo says "the memers of the EYO have represented themselves and their orchestra in an outstanding manner. As the program continues to grow and strengthen, it is becoming obvious that we are producing the caliber of string players comparable to those coming out of any other region in the state."

This year's All-State Orchestra Festibal will be held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa from February 11 - 14, with a performance of Dvorak's Symphony No. 8 on Sunday, February 14, at 1 p.m. in the Moody Concert Hall on the University campus. Admission is free and the performance is open to the public.