Local Young Musician to Perform in Dallas with the National Youth Orchestra
Nicole McKnightYoung horn player, Sam Wood, who was educated in Colleyville and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is touring with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) during its 10th Anniversary Year. Sam is one of only six horn players in the NYO-USA and will play the principal horn for Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique at the Meyerson Symphony Center July 22, 2023.
Sam grew up with music. Gerry Wood, his father, is the principal horn player of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Molly Wood, his mother, is also a horn player and teacher. Molly recalls, “We actually tried to get Sam to try another instrument, but Sam always had an ear for the horn. Once Sam stopped playing a video game to point out the horn section of its musical score.” During COVID lockdown, the Wood family produced weekly inspiring horn performances and posted them on YouTube. You can read more about them here and listen to a podcast featuring this talented family on Lone Star Latter-day Saints.
Sam continued to develop his talent and love for his instrument through the Colleyville Heritage High School Band program. Inspired by a friend, Sam set a personal goal to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. He accomplished this goal in his senior year of High School.
Interlochen Arts Academy describes the student experience: “You’ll work with world-renowned faculty and staff who’ll become treasured mentors and teachers. You’ll find people and kindred spirits who’ll reveal other parts of yourself. You’ll enjoy experiences and classes that will help you grow in ways you never thought possible.” Sam loved his experience at Interlochen Arts Academy.
In 2023, Carnegie Hall included Sam Wood as one of their 109 outstanding young musicians selected from across the country. This talented group will comprise the tenth annual National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director says, “We’re thrilled to announce the talented musicians who will join NYO-USA for its tenth anniversary season.”
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s website describes this weekend’s event: “Each summer, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) brings together the brightest young players from across the country to form the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), a free program for all participants. Following a comprehensive audition process and a multi-week training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians, these remarkable teenagers embark on a tour to some of the great music capitals of the world while serving as dynamic music ambassadors. Six talented DFW musicians are on the roster of this extraordinary ensemble.” To purchase tickets to the July 22nd performance at the Meyerson Symphony Center, click here!
Nicole McKnight serves as a Communication Specialist in the Colleyville Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She and her husband have six children and three grandchildren. Nicole grew up in Florida and still loves the beach and sunshine!
