March 1, 2025 [Cornelius, North Carolina] – On Saturday, March 1, the North Carolina Youth Orchestra hosted its first Instrument Discovery Day of 2025 at Bailey Middle School. At this free event, local students gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of orchestral instruments. The decision to learn an instrument can be a big one, and with so many options choosing one can be difficult. IDD gives kids the opportunity to find what sparks their interest and connect with NCYO artistic faculty and student and parent volunteers. At this particular event attendees met Jen Bassett, Philharmonic Director and Prelude Strings Instructor; Sam Sparrow, Woodwind Ensemble Director and Woodwind Challenge Instructor; Tom Burge, Brass Ensemble Director and Brass Challenge Instructor; and Eric Boruff, Orchestra Director. NCYO was especially honored to have Dr. Stanley Getz and Mrs. Theresa Getz at this event to welcome students and their families. Dr. Getz serves as the NCYO Board Director. He and his wife Theresa are long-time NCYO supporters and sponsor the Stan and Theresa Getz Scholarship Fund.
Each IDD is organized according to instrument family with a strings table, percussion table, woodwinds table, and brass table. Families are free to move about the room as they please, and students receive a stamp at each station. Once they’ve visited each table and gotten all their stamps, they visit the check out table where every student receives a prize and where information about all of NCYO’s challenge classes and performing ensembles is available.
Not only does the community benefit from IDD, but NCYO students benefit as well. Volunteering at IDD gives students the opportunity to learn through teaching others. Students deepen their understanding of their instrument, learn to communicate effectively, and build confidence and leadership skills by sharing their knowledge.
NCYO’s next Instrument Discovery Day is March 29 at Bailey Middle School from 10:00-11:30 AM. All area students are welcome!
