AUBURN — Saint Dominic Academy senior Ryan Spooner recently played the violin in the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Fall Concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.

The PYSO is made up of more than 70 musicians, ranging in age from 11 to 18. Established in 1942, the PYSO has grown into a pre-professional program of high caliber, which challenges its members with a diverse repertory of orchestral literature.

Spooner is a very talented and highly motivated musician, involved with many local orchestras including Youth Orchestra of Lewiston Auburn, District II Orchestra, Mid Coast Orchestra, PYSO and even local theaters. He has played with the PYSO for over three years. He plays first chair in YOLA and scored the highest out of 50 auditions for the District II Orchestra, thus preforming as the concert master for the January Concert.

In addition to the Fall Concert, Spooner was also a part of the pit orchestra in Edward Little High School’s production of “Legally Blonde.”

Spooner has played the violin since he was 7 years old. He is involved with the St. Dom’s music program as well as Music Ministry at the school.

“It has been amazing to watch Ryan develop his musical skill and talents over these past five years. I feel like every time I see him, he is playing a different instrument,” said Jim Boulet, admissions director and Music Ministry moderator. “Ryan has always been very generous with his time in volunteering to play for various functions and liturgical celebrations. In regards to his playing at Mass, I especially appreciate the tact he uses in knowing where his instrument fits into the overall dynamic of the song being played.”

Next year Spooner hopes to attend the Crane School of Music at Potsdam, N.Y., o study music education and/or music performance.

The next Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra performance is scheduled for April 16.


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