Young violinist will play in China
Drew Percy, 13, of Butler practices his violin four hours a day, attending cyber school so he has time to do what he loves. Next year he'll attend high school at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, Pa.
But from June 16 to 30, he and the more than 80 other members of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra will travel to China to perform.
The group is having a "China Garden Party" fundraising event from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Plaza and Grand Foyer of Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave.
The party will feature performances by PYSO chamber groups and traditional Chinese music by Mimi Jong, as well as food and other China-related activities.
During its trip to China, the Youth Symphony will perform at venues in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hong Kong.
The large group will break into five sections for traveling purposes, transferring through different European cities but all landing in Beijing. Drew will be accompanied by his dad, Roger.
When Drew was little, said his mom, Lisa, he heard the Butler Strolling Strings perform and then desperately wanted to play the violin. "We held him off until third grade, then he started playing," his mom said.
Drew kept progressing in his music until his parents realized he couldn't read notes — he was playing by ear. So he started taking lessons and is now traveling to Cleveland twice a month for three-hour instruction. He's hoping to go to the Juilliard School for performing arts in New York City and make a career of his music.
Tickets to the Sunday fundraiser are $50 per person and are available by calling 412-392-4872 or through Web site, www.pyso.us Reservations should be made by Friday.
<B>WHO: </B>Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra<B>WHAT: </B>China Garden Party<B>WHEN: </B>3 to 6 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE: </B>Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh<B>ADMISSION: </B>$50<B>INFORMATION: </B>412-392-4872 or www.pyso.us.
