A classical connection

By VERONICA GORLEY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
fter practicing her viola six hours a day for two months, all Rachel Frank had to show for it was two CDs.
And she had to give one away.
As a viola musician in the 2001 World Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO), Rachel participated in the recording of a song that was released to a select few: the members of orchestra. Over a month ago, the members accepted the CDs and the charge to pass them on to young aspiring musicians, who are to listen to the CD and continue the chain as a part of the World Youth Symphony Outreach.
The goal: to unite young artists around the world with the universal language of music.
"It's because of Sept. 11," Rachel said of the traveling CDs. "Its purpose was to show that people around the world could come together and create something."
Arts camp: Rachel, a 17-year-old junior at Boardman High School, was one of 123 high school students from 16 countries to perform in the youth orchestra last summer at Interlochen Arts Camp, a summer fine arts program for youths aged 8 to 18 in Interlochen, Mich.
The traveling CD features Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2, "Romantic," Opus 30, performed live July 1, 2001, and conducted by Henry Charles Smith, a former WYSO member. The "Romantic" symphony, which has been the Interlochen theme for 70 years, is performed at the conclusion of the weekly WYSO performances.
Rachel thinks the CD chain will be successful.
"I think the people in the World Youth Symphony will take this seriously," Rachel said.
Rachel received two CDs: one to keep and one to pass on. She gave the CD to Zachary Eisenbraun, a young viola player she instructs.
"He's very into playing," Rachel said. "That's why I gave it to him."
Though Zachary, 11, has been playing viola for only about two months, he said he might like to attend Interlochen Arts Camp someday. The fifth-grade pupil at Boardman Center Middle School plans to pass on his CD after winter break.
"I'm glad I got one, because then I can pass it on to some of my friends, and I think they'll like it too," Zachary said.
Online: Those who receive the CDs can log into the Web site www.interlochen.org/wyso to register the CD and locate someone who would like to receive it. The site allows anyone to track where CDs have been or to download MP3s. Young music lovers can become part of the worldwide chain by requesting a CD or by joining the Young Artists E-mail Forum to receive messages from other young musicians around the globe.
"I love the idea that they gave us CDs to show that music can pull things together when everything else is in doubt," Rachel said. "I think that is the purpose of music -- to do things like this."
The experience: Rachel estimated that more than 2,000 campers from all over the world attend Interlochen's various sessions throughout the summer. Even though the campers spoke a number of different languages, Rachel said communicating wasn't a problem.
"You learned how to communicate," Rachel said. "You become close to them without even talking."
Rachel said she learned of Interlochen from a colleague who attended the arts camp and enjoyed the experience. After sending an audition tape in February 2001, Rachel received notification of her acceptance in April.
The eight-week program began June 16. All campers auditioned soon after arriving, and the top performers were chosen for WYSO.
"Every week they have a challenge, where you can get thrown out," Rachel explained. "I was scared that I was, because I was close, but I was able to stay in."
Those who fail the challenge can get back in, but it's not easy, Rachel explained. Practice was essential.
"I was with my instrument for about six hours a day," Rachel said.
Rachel is the principal-chair viola of Boardman High School's symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra and Youngstown Youth Symphony Orchestra. She performs in the Northeast Ohio Regional and Ohio All-State orchestras, teaches lessons and plays for weddings. She said her twin sister Annie prefers journalism to musical performance.
Rachel said she would like to return to Interlochen next summer to join the advanced string quartet.
"Sometimes when you're here, people think it's weird to practice for so long," Rachel said. "A lot of people here don't understand. When you go to places like these, you feel at home."