Our loss is his gain
The orchestra was looking forward to Johnny Ballard, bassoon, returning for this season however our loss is his gain. Johnny Ballard has been accepted in to the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TYSO)!
He is a student at Saugeen District Secondary School in Port Elgin and for the last two seasons he has been one of our community bassoon players. Each of the last two years he has won the GBS Herman Dilmore Award which is presented each May at our final concert.
He also won the concerto competition at the Grey County Kiwanis Music Festival and we look forward to him joining us for our final concert in May to perform the second movement of the Mozart bassoon concerto.
Here are a few words from Johnny Ballard:
I’m very excited to have been accepted into the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra as a bassoonist. Music has been a huge part of my life, and I’m especially passionate about bassoon and orchestral playing. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to perform with other dedicated young musicians, learn from incredible conductors and coaches, and continue developing as a musician through the TSYO.
I’m also very grateful for the opportunities and experience I’ve had with the Georgian Bay Symphony. Being part of the orchestra has helped me grow as both a player and a musician, and I really appreciate all the support I’ve received along the way.
We are very excited that one of our young players has been accepted into such a prestigious organization and offer heartfelt congratulations!
Congratulations indeed! I was also plesantly surprised to see him playing Saxophone in a Stage band and/or Concert band in the Kiwanis Festival two years ago! Bravo, Johnny!