After already getting first chair in the 6A Area division band, as well as 5th chair 6A State and winning first place in the Concerto competition receiving $500 toward his scholarship, our very own Senior and tuba player Lathen Barr, was recently sent the extraordinary opportunity to be apart of the National Youth Orchestra, one of the most prestigious ensembles in the country.
The National Youth Orchestra was first established in 2012, and from there each summer, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute invites and brings together from across the country about 110 of the brightest young players ruling from ages 16-19 to audition for the summer season and form the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. The prestigious orchestra as well follows a comprehensive audition process and a multi-week training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians. These remarkable teenagers then embark on a tour to some of the great music capitals of the world while serving as dynamic music ambassadors.
Just last week on Wednesday, February 5th, Senior Lathen Barr found out that he would in fact be an alternate for the prestigious NYO, and although it may not be what he had originally hoped for, we all know Lathen Barr has many more things to come for him as he graduates Wylie this year. As Lathen graduates and heads to Texas Tech, he will continue in his love and passion for music and guiding the next generation of musicians.
