The Young People's Philharmonic at Allentown Symphony Hall

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of once again taking photographs backstage with the very talented and delightful young musicians of The Lehigh Valley Young People's Philharmonic and Junior String Philharmonic.  Jerry and Nancy Bidlack have been giving children the opportunity to participate in this challenging orchestra for over 30 years.  Even after years of observing the Bidlacks at work, their patience and dedication to the education of young musicians still amazes me.  There are no easy adaptations or arrangements of classical pieces played here -- just "unadulterated classics."
For more information, visit their website: YPP-JSP.org

YPP Holiday Concert at Allentown Symphony Hall

This past weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out during dress rehearsal with the talented members of the Lehigh Valley's Young People's Philharmonic and Junior String Philharmonic.  For over thirty years Nancy and Jerry Bidlack have encouraged aspiring  young musicians across the Lehigh Valley.

Having set up YPP's website several years ago while serving on its Board,  I make it a point to attend the  holiday concert and update the website photos each year.  The children change so much from year to year and it's fun to see them changing from middle school through the end of high school.

Jerry Bidlack conducts the Young People's Philharmonic.

Kenneth Bean conducting the Junior String Philharmonic

Young People's Philharmonic Holiday Concert at Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center

I love music and listen to everything from classical to country to Coltrane.  Music and photography have so much in common.  A well composed photograph has its own visual rhythm and must fit perfectly within a frame . . . a visual musical measure.

Two days ago I photographed the very talented musicians of one of my favorite non-profit groups, the Young People's Philharmonic (YPP) of the Lehigh Valley.   These high school students play the classics just as God and Composer intended: no arrangements or adaptations. Unadulterated Classics!

Jerry and Nancy Bidlack have been conducting youth orchestras for decades.  They give children the opportunity to participate in an orchestra. . .  the original 'surround sound' experience!  Nancy conducts the Junior String Philharmonic for middle schoolers and Jerry conducts YPP for high schoolers.  My college-aged daughter was a cellist in the orchestra for four years and this past summer interned with a very cool musical group called the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) in Brooklyn.

Here are some senior photos of two YPP cellists I had taken earlier this year.