“I believe that poetry and music are extremely powerful forms of storytelling and can help young people find and share their voices.”

At Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), we believe in the transformative power of the arts, not only as a form of expression, but as a way to build community and leadership. We’re thrilled to spotlight Ailin Sha ‘25, BYSO alum and the newly named Boston Youth Poet Laureate.

Ailin joined Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras in sixth grade after moving to the United States, and what followed was seven years of musical growth, collaboration, and discovery. Like many BYSO students, she found not only a place to develop her craft, but a community that would shape her voice in lasting ways.

Some of her most vivid memories come from BYSO’s opera seasons. These unique experiences brought together storytelling, music, and collaboration on a grand scale. Ailin says, “My favorite memories from BYSO definitely include opera season. I was lucky enough to have played in three opera cycles: The Damnation of Faust, Norma, and Don Carlo. It was incredible to bring these grand stories to life with my peers, and to work with and learn from such talented singers and musicians.” These performances left a lasting impression, highlighting the power of collective artistry and immersive storytelling.

Beyond the stage, Ailin carried forward one of the most important lessons of orchestral performance: the art of listening. Ailin explains, “In an orchestra, being aware of everything around you is essential. Everyone is always in conversation with one another.” This mindset, rooted in awareness, responsiveness, and collaboration, has extended far beyond music and continues to shape how she engages with the world today.

That deep connection between sound and expression is also evident in Ailin’s work as a poet. Drawing from her musical background, she approaches poetry with a strong sense of rhythm, pacing, and emotional nuance. Ailin says, “I think a lot about how a poem sounds out loud, the rhythm, sonics, pacing, and emotion. It is all similar to what music elicits.” Whether she is writing or performing, her creative process reflects the same attentiveness and intentionality she developed as a musician.

Now serving as Boston Youth Poet Laureate, Ailin is using her voice to advocate for something she believes is essential: access to the arts. Her own experiences have made that mission deeply personal. Ailin states, “I think it’s incredibly important that young people have access to the arts and creative spaces that support their freedom of expression. I’m extremely grateful for programs like BYSO where I was able to explore my artistic interests and, more importantly, find community among other young people who shared that passion.” For Ailin, arts education is not just about skill-building; it’s about creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Looking ahead, she envisions a future where music, poetry, and advocacy continue to intersect. She says, “I hope I can continue to bring together these elements in my work, whether it’s poetry, performances, community projects. I believe that poetry and music are extremely powerful forms of storytelling and can help young people find and share their voices.” 

At the heart of her message is a simple but powerful piece of advice for the next generation of artists: “Be bold!”

Ailin Sha’s journey from BYSO musician to Boston Youth Poet Laureate is a testament to the lasting impact of the performing arts. Through music, poetry, and advocacy, she continues to inspire others to find their voice and create change.