Youth Orchestra

Jim Cliff remembers taking the bus into Minneapolis when he was eight years old to take accordion lessons.

Paul Hagen grew up in England playing a number of musical instruments including the bassoon, piano and flute. He was part of the National Youth Band and, although he studied engineering in college, felt that he wanted to be involved with the music products industry. When he had the opportunity to purchase a wholesale company he was working for, Paul contacted his friend Lee Worsley and the two discussed creating a new company. They formed Active Music Distribution in 1999 with a strong focus on the percussion market.

Newell Hardy had a life changing experience playing in the Youth Symphony on viola while in middle school. That opportunity led to his love of guitar and later his passion for the pedal steel. Newell worked in music retail and worked his way up to store manager for Progressive Music in Utah. As a rep he worked with many of the top piano and keyboard lines such as Roland, Yamaha, Pearl River, and Samick.

Botso Korisheli was born in Georgia, Russia, and came to America to become a composer and music teacher.  After teaching music in elementary school, Botso established the County Youth Symphony for San Luis Obispo County, California in 1964, which over the years has showcased many of his musical works and gifted students.  The CYS celebrated its 50th anniversary in San Luis Obispo in 2014.

David Marshall grew up in a musical home and played piano and cello at an early age.  As part of the Wessex Youth Orchestra he played in many prestigious concerts including the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall and later studied music at City University in London as his interest in electronic musical instruments grew.  During the 1980s at the University, David was exposed to the latest in electronic instruments and the university’s recording studio, which only deepened his interest and passion.   He joined Roland UK in 1988 as a trainee product specialist,  where Brian Nunney

David Seville loved the music industry because he loved music!  He was born in Birmingham UK and became a well-known opera singer both in recordings and such live performances as Wells Cathedral. During our interview, he recalls his transition from singing to a long and enjoyable career with Selmer UK, CMI, Norlin and his own company. David was interviewed twice for the NAMM Oral History program, first on July 9, 2005 and again on November 15, 2006.

Larry Westland set out to give a few music students a chance to play. He worked long and hard to gain support to create the Music for Youth School Programs in the UK, which was established in 1971. During enrollment in the Fall 2005 program, the two millionth student got the chance to make music. It is an overwhelming accomplishment and one Larry takes as motivation for endowing the program to ensure it will continue to provide meaningful opportunities for the youth of the UK. His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on July 10, 2005.  

Patrick Wilson grew up in a very musical family. His father played piano in his own tenor band that his mother sang in and his sisters also played and sang. Patrick recalls the first instrument he picked up and played at age 6: the triangle. All throughout high school he played percussion in band and was a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony, which was a wonderful experience for him. After earning his masters in music, he was given a chance to work at Alfred Music. The year was 1984, and Patrick has been there ever since!

Karl Winkler began playing the viola in the fourth grade and got accepted into the local youth orchestra two years later. His first job in the music industry was working for Howard Beaver at Beaver's Band Box in Arizona while in college. He later took over the keyboard and recording department of another retailer while learning about MIDI and sequencing. After earning a degree in music performance, Karl went back to school at USC for recording arts. Soon after, he joined the US Air Force Band which led to his love of both big band jazz and sound reinforcement.