Anna Xiang ’18, Cameron Randall ’18, Elvin Nui ’18, Lydia Stanley ’18 and Will Julstrom all played their last Des Moines Youth Symphony performance. Their last performance took place on April 11 at the Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake campus.

The Youth Symphony is an opportunity for musically-gifted students in eighth grade and above to perform with other talented students from across the metro. The Symphony is directed and mentored by recognized professional musicians and educators. The final performance was conducted by Joseph Giunta. Giunta has been the Musical Director for the symphony for 28 years.

Their last performance consisted of four songs. One of the songs featured the Heartland Youth Choir Young Glee Club and Heartland Youth Cantemus performing Copland’s Old American Songs. Before their last song, all of the seniors participated in a tradition wherein they stood before the stage to announce the college they plan to attend and the major they plan to pursue. After their performance, all of the seniors received engraved pens for their time in the symphony.

Johnston was also represented by Stella Zeng ’20 and Matthew Ding ’20 in the symphony whereas some Summit and middle school students performed in the Heartland Youth Cantemus.