The Owensboro Symphony is pleased to announce the Youth Orchestra program will now be led by Mark Hatlestad, who currently serves as the principal violist for the Symphony. “This appointment is a testament to Mark’s exceptional musical skills and experience, as well as his passion for nurturing young talent,” said Gwyn Payne, Symphony CEO. “Under his guidance, the Youth Orchestra program is sure to continue providing an outstanding opportunity for aspiring musicians to develop their skills and love for orchestral music. We look forward to seeing the program flourish under Mark’s leadership and wish him all the best in this new role!”
About Mark Hatlestad
Mark is a violist and music educator in the Evansville area. He has appeared in festivals across the globe, including the Sommerakadamie Leutkirch in Germany, the Keshet Eilon Summer Master Course in Israel, as well as the Chautaqua Summer Music Festival in New York. Mark completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, where he studied viola performance with Atar Arad and Edward Gazouleas. During his time in Bloomington, Mark worked closely with Steve Wyrczynski, Peter Stumpf, Kevork Mardirossian, Mark Kaplan, Stanley Ritchie and members of the Pacifica Quartet. In addition to performing, Mark studied string pedagogy with Mimi Zweig and Dr. Brenda Brenner, and worked as an assistant teacher for the IU Summer String Academy and the Fairview Violin Project, a program that gives free violin lessons to underprivileged elementary-school students. Mark is Principal Viola in the Evansville Philharmonic and Owensboro Symphony, and is Artist-in-Residence at the University of Evansville’s Eykamp String Quartet, and has a private studio for motivated young violists.
Youth Orchestra Auditions
Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra auditions will be held at the Owensboro Symphony – 211 East Second Street
- Sunday, August 27 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, August 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Audition times are reserved in 10-minute slots.
Please email OSYO Conductor Mark Hatlestad at [email protected] to arrange your audition or to ask any questions.
About the Youth Orchestra
The Owensboro Symphony, through its sponsorship of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra program, provides specialized training to more than 100 talented young musicians each year. The Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra program dedicates itself to building on the success of school programs by offering outstanding students music that continues to challenge them in their growth. Many students exiting the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra have been offered college music scholarships and continue performing beyond high school graduation.
“The Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra program is an excellent opportunity for talented young musicians to receive specialized training,” said Troy Quinn, Music Director and Conductor of the Owensboro Symphony. “The program is dedicated to helping students grow and succeed in their musical pursuits. Those who participate in the program have the potential to achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world through their love of music.”
The program consists of two performing ensembles: the Youth Orchestra, a full orchestra experience, and a String Orchestra. Participants represent every local and many regional high school and middle school bands and orchestras. The Youth Orchestra welcomes college students who wish to continue their careers as instrumentalists at a very high level.