CYSO is more than just music. For many students, it offers not only the chance to play with other musicians at an extraordinarily high musical level, but also valuable experiences and life lessons. Playing in an orchestra sets students up for lives and careers in all fields. Giacomo Glotzer recently graduated from high school at the University of Chicago Laboratory School and completed his tenth year as a cellist with CYSO. As he heads off to Yale University this fall, Giacomo plans to continue studying music even as he pursues other academic fields. CYSO Social Media Team member Jennifer Yu Wang, another 2018 graduate of both the Lab School and CYSO, interviewed Giacomo as he described how CYSO and playing music have prepared him for success as he ventures out into the world.
Giacomo Glotzer: Music has done so much for me. It has offered me a source of self-expression. It has taught me how to deal with stress. But most importantly, music has allowed me understand the importance of failure. I used to be one of those kids who, for the most part, sought perfection. Anytime I failed, I fell hard and got upset, usually with myself. Countless bad auditions, disastrous competitions, and poor performances forced me to confront failure. Eventually, I even learned to embrace failure as a necessary part of learning and life. This important discovery translated to my non-musical life and proved beneficial to my academics.
I used to be one of those kids who sought perfection. Anytime I failed, I fell hard… Countless bad auditions, disastrous competitions, and poor performances forced me to confront failure. Eventually, I even learned to embrace failure as a necessary part of learning and life.
CYSO not only taught me the importance of listening to everyone around you, but also proved to me the immense power of working with a large group of passionate individuals.
GG: I have witnessed music translate in many ways to my academic education. Mainly, it has taught me time management. I do not have time to practice for 2+ hours every day; I learned to adapt my practicing into the span of 60 minutes. To take advantage of my one hour, I try to practice as effectively and efficiently as possible. Sure, I give myself breaks, but I manage to squeeze a lot into such little time. This daily exercise has allowed me to get through homework and schoolwork quickly. Music will continue providing me a space to express my emotions while also teaching me important life skills.
ABOUT JENNIFER
Jennifer Yu Wang was co-principal flautist for CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra. She has been playing flute for eight years, and with CYSO for five. She studied with Susan Levitin, and her solo achievements include winning the Society of American Musicians and Chicago Flute Club competitions, as well as performing on WFMT Introductions. Jenny is active in chamber music and played in CYSO’s Zephyrus Winds woodwind quintet. Jenny recently graduated from the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and will attend Harvard University in the fall. 