Hello everyone! My name is Alina Song, I play viola, and I'm currently in the ESYO String Orchestra.

ESYO is a not -for-profit, highly educational organization that focuses on enriching students lives with music. ESYO experiences can help develop skills that are crucial to life and later success. ESYO alumni can be found in all walks of life, from finance to science to medicine to business, and of course in the music industry. There are opportunities to perform, work with guest artists, take master classes, go to concerts, and more! There are even 13 different ensembles and orchestras, including ensembles for voice, percussion, jazz, and classical music, and many different programs! ESYO has received three distinguished awards for its programming from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and has had six European tours, including participation in the 2018 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles festival in Hungary. ESYO has also toured in Asia, performing at the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, South Korea. 

I joined ESYO Concertino Strings when I was in 5th grade, and I can confidently say that it was one of the best choices that I have ever made. In every rehersal, I learn so many new things, and I can really feel that I am improving faster. Many things that I can't or haven't learned in school yet, I get to learn beforehand in ESYO. Our conductors are also awesome! They teach us so much, and are able to pinpoint the problems and teach us ways to fix them. We also get to explore new songs and styles. In ESYO String orchestra, we played a jazz song called 18th and Vine, which was very different from what I had played before. It was a bit tricky, but I loved how it sounded! 

ESYO is a great not-for-profit organization that is a very rewarding and valuable experience. However, because it is a not-for-profit organization, we rely a lot on donations. Please help us keep this wonderful organization running by donating a little bit of money. If everyone pitches in, we can raise a lot! Also, on Saturday, March 23, at Crossgates Mall, ESYO has our annual Playathon. Playathon is a unique opportunity to see all the ensemble and orchestras play, and it is also our biggest fundraising activity. If you can come, please stop by and enjoy a bit of nice music. You can also throw money at us! (Only paper money please, otherwise it can damage the instruments and hurt people)

Thank you!

Alina Song

🎶 SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF MUSIC 🎶

Playathon is ESYO’s most important friend-raiser and fundraiser of the year! This fun-filled day of music raises money for ESYO while showcasing the breadth & depth of our program! This free, family event takes place on Saturday, March 23rd from 10:30am through 5:15pm at Crossgates Mall and showcases hundreds of young musicians. It's the only day of the year where all ESYO ensembles (including CHIME) perform—from the deep rumble of the percussion ensembles to the uplifting trills of the wind orchestra. The day also includes live auctions, including a chance to lead one of the ensembles!

The marathon display of musical talent is more than simply a community concert, it helps ESYO ensure no qualified musician is ever turned away from the ESYO Experience because of an inability to pay. Your support is needed now more than ever. The money raised will fund a substantial portion of ESYO’s operating expenses and musician scholarships.

Our Playathon fundraising goal for 2024 is $120,000. To reach our goal, we have challenged each ensemble, our board of directors, and our staff with their own fundraising goal. Help them get there by giving generously today!