Musical Celebration Week

Kyle Shelton performed on three occasions to celebrate his graduation from high school.  On August 30th, we enjoyed a combined perfomance of the Des Moines Youth Symphony honors ensembles and the accomplished ballet dancers from the Pointe Academy.  The varied program included musical numbers from a percussion group, brass, woodwinds and string quartet - all beautifully interpreted through ballet.  The string quartet featured Kyle on cello.
Our second treat was a concert by the Meyer Orchestra, where Kyle played as principal cello for many of the numbers.  This group of musicians are high school or college students who rehearse together and play classical music for an audience of fans.  Thirteen members are graduating high school seniors, who will be invited back annually to play as alums of this prestigious orchestra. 

Kyle Shelton - Cello Section

Seniors - Kyle second from right

The musical week concluded with a stellar recital where Kyle played eight piano pieces and three cello numbers.  Dick's favorite was the opening piano number: three preludes by George Gershwin.  My favorites included the Fur Elise by Beethoven and the final number: Prelude in G minor by Rachmaninoff.  Between each of his selections, Kyle added commentary about the music, the composer and other interesting bits about the numbers he would play.  The audience of more than 120 listeners gave Kyle a standing ovation, and he returned to play an encore piece: music from a favorite video game!