The Symphony’s Youth Education Program fulfills the educational aspect of the Salina Symphony mission. Founded by Mr. Eric Stein in 1961, the Youth Symphony has grown from one orchestra to three, serving young musicians from Salina and many surrounding communities. Members of the Youth Symphony, Junior Youth Symphony and Preparatory Orchestra rehearse weekly through the school year, performing two concerts each season. Added to the program offerings in 2014, the Salina Youth Choir also rehearses weekly and performs several concerts each season, including the Salina Symphony Christmas Festival.
By far the most important asset of the program lies in its teaching leadership. “Our Youth Education directors are truly gifted educators,” said Adrienne Allen, executive director. “Their love for what they do shines through in every rehearsal and performance. I’m so grateful for their dedication to our program and to making each student’s experience the best it can be.”
HENRY LITTICH
Henry Littich has taught orchestra/strings since 1997. He was named director of orchestras for Smoky Valley Public Schools in 2009, where he teaches at Smoky Valley High School, Smoky Valley Middle School and Soderstrom Elementary School (grades 4-12).
Littich’s appreciation for music began in third grade when he started orchestra. Though his initial instrument choice was string bass, his parents convinced him to play the violin instead. He quickly realized that he wanted to become an educator when he took engineering physics in college.
Littich’s best moments in the classroom are when he watches a student realize they can do something they didn’t think they were able to.
“I used to think I taught music because I like music, but about five years ago I suddenly realized I teach music because I like kids,” he said. “It is fun and rewarding to watch kids figure things out.”
Littich began conducting the Junior Youth Symphony in 2011. He currently directs the Youth Symphony and serves as director of the overall Youth Education Program. “I’m proud of the work our Youth Education students do and I consider it a privilege to work with them,” he said.
ROBBIE BANKS
Robbie Banks began teaching K-12 vocal and instrumental music in Dexter, Kan. Though she took a break from teaching to own and operate Cunningham Music with her husband, eventually Banks returned to her roots to teach public school education and became assistant director, and then director, of the Winfield Orchestras.
Music and teaching have always been a part of Banks’ life. Her mother was a music teacher who directed choir and her father was an educator as well. Her music role models include the various advanced piano students her mother taught. She wanted to be as good as them.
Banks, who was named director of the Junior Youth Symphony in 2019, truly enjoys her work in the Youth Education Program. “Conducting the Junior Youth Symphony allows me to continue the joy of making music with a wonderful group of musicians,” she said. “I look forward to our time together each week and I am grateful that our education team and staff figured out a way to continue during the pandemic. I love the whole process, from selecting the music, to working hard in rehearsals, and then sharing the results with our audience.”
MICHAEL HARBAUGH
Michael Harbaugh has been the instructor of orchestra at the Beloit Jr.-Sr. High School as well as orchestra and instrumental music at the Beloit Elementary School since 1977. He is also conductor of the Beloit Community Orchestra, an organization he helped establish in 1980.
Harbaugh’s interest in music began when he started piano lessons at age four. He decided to become an educator when he was playing a viola as a seventh grader while attending the Western Kansas Orchestra Festival in Pratt.
Harbaugh joined the Youth Education team in 2018, serving as Preparatory Orchestra Director. “I have enjoyed developing relationships with the students, their families, and the Kansas Wesleyan University students who have helped with the rehearsals,” he said.
JENNA ESHLEMAN
Jenna Eshleman is enjoying her 11th year of teaching music, now at Meadowlark Ridge Elementary school in Salina.
Eshleman’s love for music was nurtured by her parents, who would spend time with her on Saturday mornings listening to everything from The Beatles to Muddy Waters and even full symphonies on NPR since they didn’t have a television.
Eshleman was named director of the Salina Youth Choir in 2016. “My favorite part about leading the Salina Youth Choir is the people I meet, and the students that I never would’ve come into contact with had it not been for this wonderful program,” she said.
Her fondest memory of teaching comes from the 2019 Salina Symphony’s performance of The Nutcracker ballet. “The performance featured the Salina Youth Choir select ensemble performing as a choir, but also included a host of former students singing and dancing onstage,” explains Eshleman. “There is absolutely nothing better in life than seeing former students bloom into the best versions of who they were made to be!”
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Written by Gavy Garay
Do you have an idea for a future Symphony Spotlight story? Contact Adrienne Allen at 785-823-8309 or execdir@salinasymphony.org.