Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Tillen ‘25 Runs the Boston Marathon for BYSO
“It was such an important part of my middle and high school experience, even when I was applying to college, violin, BYSO, and running were my top activities. It’s really special to see those come together now.” As the Boston Marathon draws near, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) is proud to spotlight alumnus Jonathan […]
Alumni Spotlight: Kate Hewig ‘11 Runs the Boston Marathon for BYSO
“Supporting the next generation means a lot to me. There are kids out there who are just as inspired by music as I was, and I want to help make that possible.” As the Boston Marathon approaches, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) is proud to spotlight alumna Kate Hewig ‘11, who is taking on […]
BYSO Proudly Celebrates Our Boston Marathon Runners
The Boston Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a powerful symbol of perseverance, community, and purpose. This year, the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) is proud and excited to announce two incredible runners who are taking on this iconic challenge while making a meaningful impact: Kate Hewig ‘11 and Jonathan Tillen ‘25. Running […]
BYSO Alumna Ailin Sha ’25 Named 2026 Boston Youth Poet Laureate
“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 […]
Dacha Thurber ’20: Staying Connected, Passing It On
“Music isn’t invented by one person or one orchestra,” he says. “It gets passed along. And if I can continue that, that feels very special.” – Dacha Thurber, ‘20 When Dacha first picked up the violin, he wasn’t yet sure where music would take him, but he knew he wanted to make it with others. […]
Gabriel Lefkowitz ’05: Leading Louisville Youth Orchestra
“Being a part of BYSO, for me, meant having the privilege of making music with other likeminded people, with a staff that held us to really high standards and cared so deeply about the educational experience and providing the opportunity for young people to be artists.” – Gabe Lefkowitz, ‘05 Last month, Gabe Lefkowitz ’05 […]
Sammy Andonian ’16: From BYSO to BSO
“The experience I gained in BYSO gave me the confidence to know that I’m well-equipped with skills as an orchestral musician. And it’s not by accident, but it’s because of years and years of rehearsing every Sunday” – Sammy Andonian ‘16 BYSO is so pleased to have a longstanding partnership with Boston Symphony Orchestra, BYSO/BSO: […]
Ellen Deng ’19 Set to Run the 2025 Boston Marathon on behalf of BYSO
We all know how iconic the Boston Marathon is as not only an athletic event, but an opportunity to celebrate and bolster our greater community, including opportunities for nonprofit organizations like BYSO. Similar to many people that have grown up in or around Boston, Ellen Deng, a 2019 BYSO Alum, feels a personal connection to […]
Yeji Cha-Beach ’04 and BYSO’s Boston Marathon Debut
BYSO’s Marathoner This year, CITGO generously provided BYSO with a bib for the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America with the support of Sharon Durkan, Boston City Councilor District 8. BYSO fielded applications from community members, and narrowed down a group of excellent candidates to ultimately select Yeji Cha-Beach, a 2004 (G)BYSO alumna. […]
Peter Edwin Krasinski ’76: The Making of The Holdovers
“The feeling in the chapel was overwhelmingly positive—such joy, anticipation, and knowing your part of something bigger.” – Peter Edwin Krasinski ‘76 The Holdovers, a new film set during winter break at a New England prep school in 1970, opens with the voice of a choral director, leading his students into “Oh, Little Town of […]