Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra students aren’t just talented kids in a great program; they’re hardworking musicians and kind, supportive colleagues. Principal Oboe Charlotte Skinner and Principal Flute Hannah Chung are an “iconic pair,” with a friendship founded in their shared love of music.
Their paths are similar. Hannah started with piano lessons, then chose flute for elementary school band. She laughs, recalling her fourth-grade self: “it looked like a little suitcase, and I wanted to carry it around!” Today, she loves the instrument for its “beautiful sound, so pretty and elegant.” Hannah came to CSYO through lessons with Mariellen Sears, and found community and close friendships. “We all hit it off right away,” she says of Charlotte and fellow flutist Helen Rhodes.
Charlotte also started with piano lessons. Come fourth grade decision time, she chose the clarinet. “But we also had an oboe at home, and I picked it up during Covid. By eighth grade, I was ready for lessons with Ms. Dorris.” She joined CSYOP’s Repertory Winds and Strings ensemble, then CSYO, where she eventually moved up to first chair. “I really love the oboe,” she says. “I like the reeds!” She learned how to make her own at the New England Conservatory Summer Orchestra Institute, where she also got to work with Cape Symphony's new Music Director, Alyssa Wang, and Cape Symphony oboist Mary Cicconetti!
Hannah says a flute is low-maintenance by comparison. “Well, you do bedazzle it,” notes Charlotte, and sure enough, Hannah displays a sparkly rhinestone sleeve she adds for special occasions, and a crocheted Santa hat for holiday concerts.
Performing at Holiday on the Cape with the Cape Symphony Orchestra is special for both musicians. Hannah says “it felt great to play for that huge audience!” “I was a little intimidated sitting with the professional oboists,” adds Charlotte, “but they were so nice.”
Kindness and inclusivity define the CSYO experience, and the older students take on mentorship roles. “My relationship with Cole [Cosgrove], Principal Oboist when I joined, was such a good orchestra experience for someone who was younger,” recalls Charlotte.
Asked about favorite pieces they’ve played with CSYO, these musicians light up. “Oooh, the Rossini!” says Hannah. “Last year we did L’italiana in Algeri. We [flute and oboe] had a conversation back and forth… we sounded really good. I really like having solos!” Charlotte agrees. “I loved the entire suite of Carmen by Georges Bizet,” she adds. “The oboe had so many solos… Those pieces made us better musicians.” Playing well feels great, she says. “I just love the sound of the oboe, and when it’s put out there in a dark, cool way, it makes me very happy with what I do.”
Studying music has far-reaching benefits. “Music gave me something to be proud of myself for,” says Hannah. “I’m not a student athlete like everyone else. Getting into All State, then Southeast, I finally had something to feel accomplished about.” Doing well in music gives Charlotte confidence in her other classes. “Music is my thing! It’s helped me in school as well. In English and in Latin, I know more because of music.”
Charlotte and Hannah will both keep music in their lives after their CSYO careers. Charlotte, graduating from Monomoy Regional HS this June, plans to major in oboe performance in college. Hannah, a senior at Nauset, will study Environmental Engineering. She’s looking at colleges where music is important to school culture. “It would make me so sad not to be part of an ensemble,” she says. “For me, music is about the community.” Charlotte concurs. “I just love playing with other people. It lifts me up, like we’re all one.”
***
Learn more about the Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra Program.
