Music is the language of the soul. It raises spirits, unites nations, and expresses the yearnings of the heart. For bassoonist Nolan Smith (‘23), music is also an endearing passion and a dazzling dream to pursue. 

In early February, Smith was accepted into the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America after an extensive application process. It is one of the three youth ensembles of Carnegie Hall. 

The orchestra invites around 120 musicians, ages 16-19, from across the United States to go on an international tour. The program allows brilliant young musicians to play with leading professionals. 

“I am excited about playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Hilary Hahn. That is absolutely fantastic,” said Smith. 

Music students not only get to play with Hilary Hahn, a famous solo violinist, but also with famous conductor Sir Andrew Davis. Inspiring musicians can learn from each other and the professionals playing in the orchestra.

“These are very well-established musicians, and we’re playing great orchestral masterpieces like Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, and many more too. It’s just a great experience (with) extremely talented musicians all over the nation,” said Smith. 

The program has a rigorous application process with personal essays, teacher recommendations, and required videos of students playing a solo piece and many orchestral excerpts. 

“I had to record a lot. I was practicing every day for around five hours, probably six hours, including recording,” said Smith. 

Smith has been involved in all state and regional honor ensembles throughout high school and middle school. He is in the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, the California Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra. 

“I play in multiple orchestras, and all the musicians I play with love what they are doing. (They are) very passionate about it. They’re very expressive in their music, and that just motivates me to practice more,” said Smith. 

Smith developed his love for music at a very young age when he heard his dad play the piano, seizing every opportunity since to express his passion. He has been active in the Amador music program for four years as a bassoonist. 

“This honor that he got being in (NYO) is a natural accumulation of all the steps he’s taken over many years to advance his playing. He is very musically committed. He is a very, very artistic and expressive musician and one of a kind in that way,” said band teacher Jonathan Grantham.

Getting into the National Youth Orchestra was not easy. Smith had to overcome many struggles. He had to fit six hours of music practice into a school day, juggling his homework and his preparation. 

“It’s really difficult balancing school and your passion. Every day, it’s really hard to have enough energy to do everything,” said Smith. 

After all that hard work, Smith can now enjoy the fruits of his labor. He remembers waking up at 5:30 AM and being shocked when he realized he was accepted. 

“I didn’t believe it. My eyes weren’t really working well that time in the morning. I read it multiple times. I read (the word “Congratulations”) at least ten times. I couldn’t believe I actually got in,” said Smith. 

He is excited about the future ahead and will continue pursuing his passion for music. Smith intends to play in his college’s orchestra.

“I plan to play in the Emory Symphony Orchestra, and I’m thinking of double majoring in music,” said Smith.

AVBites- All about Nolan Smith

Music Credits: “Captain Hugo” by Hugo ‘Droopy Contini on the Free Music Archive (CC by NC-SA 4.0)