The BYU Chamber Orchestra Creates Harmony Through Service

Students at Brigham Young University - founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - are inspired by the motto “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve”. It was evident that the BYU Chamber Orchestra musicians have taken that motto to heart as they served others during their tour in Australia.

Dr. Nathan Haines, Director of Orchestras, commented, “There is a sign at the entrance to campus that tells the students ‘Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.’ At BYU, this motto reminds students to take what they learn and live a life of service like our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Each day is an opportunity to put this into practice.”

Putting the motto into practice reminds us of the scripture in Galatians 5:13 “…, but by love serve one another.”

Throughout Australia the orchestra held workshops with student musicians. Many BYU orchestra members commented about the joy they received from working with all the students.

At the Cherrybrook Primary School in Sydney, they held a concert for all music students. They then worked with the students to improve the rendition the primary students will be playing in their concert at the Sydney Opera House.

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Ruth Brown, viola player with BYU, shared, “Performing and working at the Cherrybrook School was such a cool experience because there were these students that loved music. When we were playing their piece with them that they are working to perform at the Sydney Opera House, it was cool to see that they were looking for our mentorship and using the skills that we had already developed as musicians in order to learn themselves.”

In Hobart, the Chamber Orchestra worked with The Collegiate and Hutchins Schools and the Simon Reed Wind Ensemble. The orchestra directors commented on the significant improvement gained over the 2-hour workshop. Following the workshop the parents and students were treated to a concert by the BYU Chamber Orchestra.

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Madi Bowen, violinist, said, “At the Hutchins school we helped the orchestra learn their music and learn how to play in groups. It was a unique experience to be in this setting, to connect with each of the players. We are here to share music and our talents. It was great to be a teacher to help and inspire them, but in return, it inspired me.”

In a second workshop, only the wind section of the orchestra met with the Simon Reed Wind Ensemble. Similar comments were made by Simon Reed about the group’s improvement. The BYU students loved working with the musicians to find common ground to create beautiful music.

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During their visit to Perth, the Chamber Orchestra worked with the Applecross High School String Orchestra. After the workshop, Applecross musicians joined with the BYU string section of the Orchestra to perform at the concert that evening in the State Theatre of Western Australia.

Kylie Bergstresser, a trumpet player with BYU, said, “The music programme gives us an opportunity to go forth and serve and grow as God’s children. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had in Australia to serve.”

In addition to the music workshops, the Chamber Orchestra also participated in a service project at two community gardens in Hobart. The students pulled weeds, packed seeds, and raked garden paths. They loved the opportunity to get out in nature and get their hands dirty helping to improve the local landscape.

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One observer commented, “The BYU Chamber Orchestra students carry such light. They are kind with their smiles and humility and their talent and service are so beautiful.”