It brings music to my ears: Ottawa Youth Concert Orchestra

Marie-Pierre Lefebvre

Every Tuesday evening, a couple dozen youths between 10 and 18 years of age meet in St. Joseph’s Church on Wilbrod Street. They practice under the watchful eye (and ears) of Conductor Travis Mandel. Mandel is a passionate pedagogue who wants to inspire students to reach their full musical potential. He himself started playing the trumpet in grade 9, when he attended École secondaire publique De La Salle, and since then music has been a huge part of his life. He teaches private lessons, is guest conductor with the Pembroke Orchestra, teaches at the University of Ottawa and at the Ottawa Youth Concert Orchestra (OYCO) Academy, and is also in the Canadian Armed Forces band.

These OYCO musicians have great talent and were handpicked to be part of this elite orchestra that has twice been crowned provincial champion of the Kiwanis Festival since Mandel took over two years ago. OYCO members include Maja, a 15-year-old double bass player from Germany. She’s been playing since she was 8 years old, starting with a violin at school and gradually moving to the gigantic instrument that is a double bass (it’s taller than Maja!). Also Nuri and Angela, both OYCO violinists who were told as children that their hands were too small to play the instruments they actually wanted to play which were clarinet and flute, respectively. Turns out they are very strong violinists who do not regret the way it has played out. Angela also plays the guitar while Nuri also plays the cello. Then there’s Jerry and Yichen who are both 10 years old and very talented. Jerry plays in the percussion section and Yichen plays the violin. They both started playing instruments at age 4 and very much enjoy the orchestra and the experience it is giving them. In the brass section, we have Samuel, 15 years old, who plays trumpet. It’s his first year with the OYCO, after picking up the trumpet only three years ago. Samuel lives in Sandy Hill so you might hear him practice his parts, especially in the warmer months when the windows are open.

These young musicians really enjoy the orchestra, and after observing their practice one Tuesday, I can see and hear that Mandel is really passionate and that he wants the kids to succeed. He encourages them with love and discipline: “Follow me like a shadow,” “Look up at me for the rhythm, it’s more important than missing a note!” Even if they may not all turn out to be professional musicians when they grow up, I think we can appreciate how important music is to everyday life.

They have a YouTube channel that you should definitely check out by searching Ottawa Youth Orchestra. It’s impressive how good they sound. But for the real experience, you must attend one of their concerts. You can find the schedule and buy tickets on their website: https://ottawayouthorchestra.ca/mec-category/concerts/. You have no excuse, they are right around the corner at St. Joseph’s Church!