× Board & Staff Make a Donation Giving Support Education Upcoming Events Past Events
Home Board & Staff Make a Donation Giving Support Education Upcoming Events
Welcome Letter

Dear students, family members, and supporters of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and that you are looking forward to the exciting musical journey that lies ahead. I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you for our second concert of the season. I want to commend our dedicated students for their incredible progress this cycle. Your hard work, passion, and commitment to musical excellence have not gone unnoticed. It is truly inspiring to witness the growth and talent within our ensembles!

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent gift of over 80 orchestral works arranged by the late Dr. Robert McCashin. We are honored to join the McCashin family in preserving and celebrating his legacy. Dr. McCashin was a Chattanooga native and CYS alumnus who went on to have a fulfilling career as a remarkable music educator and conductor. Please take a moment to read more about Dr. McCashin’s legacy in your program.

I also want to acknowledge the resilience and perseverance shown by our students in the face of unexpected challenges. The severe weather and snow that swept through our community recently presented obstacles that none of us could have anticipated. Despite these difficulties, the students remained committed to growing as musicians and continued to work on their music whenever they could!

The severe weather and our community’s response can teach us a valuable life lesson. Music, much like life, is filled with highs and lows, and it is through these experiences and challenges that we grow and evolve as musicians and as individuals. I have no doubt that the perseverance demonstrated by our students during the severe weather will only serve to elevate our performances tonight.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony family. Together, we will create music that resonates with the soul and will hopefully leave a lasting impact on someone who needs it. Here's to a season filled with harmony, growth, and the joy of making music together!

Ismael Sandoval
Music Director - Chattanooga Youth Symphony

Welcome Letter

Dear students, family members, and supporters of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and that you are looking forward to the exciting musical journey that lies ahead. I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you for our second concert of the season. I want to commend our dedicated students for their incredible progress this cycle. Your hard work, passion, and commitment to musical excellence have not gone unnoticed. It is truly inspiring to witness the growth and talent within our ensembles!

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent gift of over 80 orchestral works arranged by the late Dr. Robert McCashin. We are honored to join the McCashin family in preserving and celebrating his legacy. Dr. McCashin was a Chattanooga native and CYS alumnus who went on to have a fulfilling career as a remarkable music educator and conductor. Please take a moment to read more about Dr. McCashin’s legacy in your program.

I also want to acknowledge the resilience and perseverance shown by our students in the face of unexpected challenges. The severe weather and snow that swept through our community recently presented obstacles that none of us could have anticipated. Despite these difficulties, the students remained committed to growing as musicians and continued to work on their music whenever they could!

The severe weather and our community’s response can teach us a valuable life lesson. Music, much like life, is filled with highs and lows, and it is through these experiences and challenges that we grow and evolve as musicians and as individuals. I have no doubt that the perseverance demonstrated by our students during the severe weather will only serve to elevate our performances tonight.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony family. Together, we will create music that resonates with the soul and will hopefully leave a lasting impact on someone who needs it. Here's to a season filled with harmony, growth, and the joy of making music together!

Ismael Sandoval
Music Director - Chattanooga Youth Symphony