Jon Harris-Clippinger, Musical Director
SALEM YOUTH SYMPHONY SPRING CONCERT
TICKET INFORMATION
Smith Auditorium, Willamette University
April 21, 2024, 3 pm
ADULTS: $15
STUDENTS 18 and UNDER: Free with ticket
Festival Seating
ABOUT THE CONCERTO WINNER
Nicholas Peterson-Hunt, a senior at West Salem High School, started playing the trumpet in the fifth grade. His dad, Danny Hunt, was his first trumpet teacher. After three years he began studying with Jaimie Hall, who was also his middle school band director. In 2020, as an eighth grader, Nicholas entered the National Trumpet Competition (NTC) and was invited to perform in the live round in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, this competition was canceled due to Covid-19.
Nicholas has been a member of the West Salem High School Wind Ensemble for four years and the Salem Youth Symphony for six years. He is in his fifth year of studying trumpet with Jaimie Hall. Nicholas was selected to play in the following high school honor groups: All-Northwest Honor Symphony, All-State Honor Band, All-State Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet, and Salem All-City Honor Band. He placed first in the state solo contest on trumpet in 2022 and 2023. His school’s large trumpet ensemble also placed first in state in 2022 and 2023 and the small trumpet ensemble placed second in state in 2022 and first in state in 2023. This past year he entered the National Trumpet Competition and was invited to play in the live round for the high school solo and ensemble divisions in Boulder, Colorado. The Salem Trumpet Ensemble ended up placing second in the nation! Nicholas just found out he will be going to NTC in Kingsville, Texas to compete in both the solo and ensemble divisions again this year.
Nicholas plans to pursue a degree in trumpet performance at University of Colorado Boulder, University of Southern California, Rice University or University of Oregon in the fall. He hopes to one day become a professional symphonic trumpet player. Nicholas also enjoys backpacking, weight training, walking his dogs Benny and Murphy and hanging out with his friends.
Click HERE for information about the Larry Garret Youth Symphony Concerto Competition.
ABOUT SALEM YOUTH SYMPHONY
The Salem Youth Symphony Association fosters the talents of dedicated young musicians by providing them with the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of orchestral music, enhance their performance skills, and contribute to the community through their musical expression.
Salem Youth Symphony provides four levels of orchestral experience geared for youth throughout age twenty-two. Read More HERE or (Click on each orchestra for more information on skill level)
Mozart Players
Mozart Players is a non-audition, preparatory string ensemble conducted by Rachael Anderson. Mozart Players engages primarily students in grades 4-7. Teacher recommendation is required for first time Mozart Players.
Amadeus Players
Amadeus Players is a mid-level string ensemble conducted by Mac Mayer. Amadeus engages primarily students in grades 5-9. Audition required.
Philharmonia
Philharmonia is an advanced full symphony orchestra conducted by Danny Hunt. Philharmonia comprises talented student musicians who want to develop orchestral performance skills.
Youth Symphony
Youth Symphony is the premier full symphony orchestra conducted by Musical Director Jon Harris-Clippinger. Youth Symphony comprises the most talented and dedicated student musicians through age 22.
School Music Ensemble Participation Requirements
Salem Youth Symphony, in support of public and private school music programs, requires students to be enrolled in a musical ensemble offered at their school for their instrument. Wind and percussion instrumentalists will participate in their school band program. String instrumentalists will participate in their school orchestra program. The policy does not apply to students whose educational setting does not offer a musical ensemble for their instrument.
Donate to Salem Youth Symphony
Please support music and the development of young talent through a generous donation to Salem Youth Symphony. SYS is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Your tax deductible contribution will make a difference in a young player’s life.
Use a credit card or a Pay Pal account.
Statement of Inclusivity
SYS is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion by welcoming young musicians, their families, and audience members of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and socio-economic circumstances.
SYS Stands Against Racism
We stand against social injustice, we condemn systemic racism, and we support those who are peacefully raising their voices.