Two CCSD Students Selected to Perform with Utah Symphony

Cache County School District is proud to announce that two outstanding student musicians - Drew Paiser, a junior at Ridgeline High School, and Aaron Yoder, a senior at Mountain Crest High School - have been selected to perform with the Utah Symphony in its prestigious 2024-25 Side-by-Side Concert.

Chosen from a competitive pool of 113 applicants statewide, Drew and Aaron were among just 34 students invited to join the Utah Symphony onstage at Abravanel Hall on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. These students rehearsed with Utah Symphony Assistant Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba and received focused sectional coaching from symphony musicians. Jessia Wiley, the Symphony Education Manager for the Utah Symphony, shared, “After four rehearsals, these students [joined] Utah Symphony side-by-side for an inspiring performance.”

Drew, who plays double bass, has been involved in music since fourth grade. He was first inspired when the Mountain West Strings Academy visited his elementary school and he chose the bass because, as Drew said, “it was kind of different from the others.” He loves the challenge and expressive opportunity of solo work, but also values the shared experience of orchestra. “It gives me passion and excitement in life,” he shared.

Aaron, a tuba player, has played music for six years and said, “Music is the best method for communication that humans have access to.” Known for his dedication, Aaron uses his unscheduled first period each day to practice, in addition to rehearsing during lunch and after school. He plans to study tuba performance at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio and hopes to pursue a career in music.

This performance is not only a testament to their hard work, but also a celebration of music education in our schools. Congratulations, Drew and Aaron!