Not many people know it, but walking the halls of Bear Creek are three up-and-coming musicians. Juniors Harvey and Johnny Duan, along with freshman Karilyn Richards, have recently been accepted into the Central Valley Youth Symphony (CVYS). To join CVYS, students audition for the conductors and complete an application. After students are accepted into the symphony, they must audition for seating. This includes performing a scale in all possible octaves and playing music given to them prior to the audition. The symphony meets once a week for two hours. About 70 students aged 12 to 22 participate. Members of CVYS come from all over the central valley, mostly from local high schools. "I want to improve my skills so colleges will be impressed," Harvey said. "Also, it's a lot of fun because you meet musicians from all over the valley." In the cello section, Richards is first chair and Harvey is second. Johnny is in the third stand out of eight in the violin section. The students first heard about CVYS through orchestra teacher Ellie Tatton. Harvey, Johnny and Richards have been interested in the program ever since they attended a CVYS concert last year. "I wanted to join earlier," Harvey said. "But I didn't think I was good enough." The musicians will be performing on Dec. 12 at the University of the Pacific (UOP) for the local community. However, the crowning performance of CVYS will be in June, when the students play at Carnegie Hall in New York City. "Not many youth symphonies play at Carnegie, so it's not only a once in a lifetime opportunity," Johnny said, "it's an honor." While on the five day trip to New York, the students will attend a Broadway play and go sightseeing. One highlight will be a cruise with a party and dance. Because the trip will cost $1,900, members of CVYS have already begun fundraising by selling chocolate and raffle tickets, and finding sponsors for the trip. There are other advantages to playing in the symphony besides the New York trip. One of the best parts of playing in CVYS is working with conductors like Dr. Michael Allard and Joel Munc. Munc teaches at Merryhill Elementary School and Allard teaches at UOP. "They make the music exciting," Richards said. "Dr. Allard is very expressive and tells us funny stories." The trio also enjoys playing in a full symphony, as opposed to the school orchestra which has only string instruments. The students are also involved in music outside CVYS. Richards has been playing the cello for five years. She also plays in the school orchestra, takes private lessons and performs in a professional quartet that plays at parties. "Not many people find playing an instrument worthwile," Richards said. "It's not exciting enough for them." The Duans have been performing and studying music for seven years. "I like the comforting sound of the violin when it is played well," Johnny said. "It reflects my emotions." As for the future, all three agree they want to continue their music in college. "I don't know how seriously I'll play in college," Richards said. "But I know the cello will always be a part of my life."