"Participating in EYS was a VERY positive turning point in the school year for my orchestra students and myself as their teacher and fellow musician. It was so much FUN and very joyful to participate in all of the Zooms, learning the new music and choreography, and the grand finale of performing and filming! My students absolutely loved participating!! It was an exciting, high energy vehicle to bring the in-person and virtual learners together! It was such a great experience that really took our focus away from all of the of the CDC guidelines in the classroom and really helped orchestra class feel like orchestra class again!
SOPHIE RENKER / ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR / NISD
"Thanks so much, Laura. There are some unique characters in our group and you interacted with each one of them so kindly and compassionately. Most of the kids who spoke up are not the usually outgoing kids, so I think you really made them feel inspired!"
ELIZABETH KNAPP / ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR / VICTOR SCHOOLS
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for an incredible concert from top to bottom. I’m getting a flood of emails from parents tonight telling me how great it was, how great you are, to tell you thank you for all that you gave their child through this experience. You took the time to compliment individual kids and notice their strengths. That so matters to them and to me. You really have a gift with people and I think you’re an amazing talent and person as well. You were a joy to work with."
SUSAN MULLEN / ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR / THE WEBB SCHOOL
"I'm so impressed with EYS -- top down, you are incredible people. When you come across people like you all, you make sure your paths cross often! You've inspired our students (a cellist actually switched to viola because of you -- GO TEAM!). WE DID IT!"
NANCY KURR / ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR / MIDDLETON ORCHESTRAS
"What you folks are doing is beyond cool...Mark and all of you are taking the some of the Covid pain out of kid's lives and giving them something to hang their hats on that is fun and engaging. I cannot tell you enough the power of what you are doing for our young folks. You matter and I hope you have the greatest of days."
JR PRICE / ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR / GREENVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
Thank you so, so much for giving our Middle School Orchestra, as well as our High School Orchestra, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be featured in a Virtual Orchestra Video, performing Thunderstruck, Fight Song, and Supermassive Black Hole.
Your hard work shines so brightly, and for that I am so grateful.
Thank you again for everything!
ABIGAIL ALBRIGHTSON / STUDENT / WHITEFISH BAY MS ORCHESTRA
“If you are a string teacher you NEED to do this!!! It has opened my eyes to so many possibilities! It also has shown me a different way to go about teaching music! The excitement that Mark brings is contagious! My classes are still pumping from his visit and hopefully I can keep this energy going!”
Laura Mitchell, Orchestra Director
Bellefontaine, OH
“Mark and Laura – Thanks for the most amazing string/choir educational event ever!! You took our music program up to the highest levels. What a wonderful opportunity for all of our students and for our school. I just knew if I could get you here once, then everyone would understand why we should do this again. You brought us joy.”
Elizabeth Caine, Orchestra Director
Warhill HS, VA
“Mark – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking our musicians from good to great! Tonight was truly “electrifying”. I was so proud of our young men and women! You rock! Elijah rocks! Laura rocks! Thank you for the work you do. The memories made the past two days will last a lifetime.”
Sharmaine Grove, Principal
Williamsburg, VA