Striking the right chord: How teen and adult musicians make music together

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer

Reston Community Orchestra and NoVa Youth Ensembles have created a mentorship space where young musicians rehearse and perform alongside adults. Photo contributed by Laura Readyoff

Nowhere is Reston’s musical spirit more visible than in the growing partnership between the Reston Community Orchestra (RCO) and the NoVa Youth Ensembles (NYE). What began as a single holiday collaboration has become a mentorship program that nurtures young musicians and strengthens the local arts ecosystem.

The partnership took root last season when RCO conductor Maestro Dietrich Paredes invited NYE students to join the orchestra for its annual holiday sing-along. Their preparation and professionalism were immediately apparent.

“The NYE students arrived on time at their first rehearsal, prepared, eager to take direction, and willing to be challenged,” Paredes said. “Our adult instrumentalists welcomed the youth as stand partners and quickly realized they needed to play their best when others were modeling them.” The success of that concert sparked a deeper collaboration that students, parents, and orchestra members now eagerly anticipate.

Director Laura Readyoff founded NYE to address a gap in local arts education. Although the D.C. region offers several youth ensembles, young players in Reston, Herndon, and Sterling lacked accessible, affordable opportunities close to home.

“Many students faced long commutes or barriers due to skill level, financial circumstance, or the absence of inclusive programs,” Readyoff said. “NYE was built to be a welcoming place where every child—regardless of background—could develop musicianship, discover joy, and find belonging.”

Families quickly embraced that mission. Parent Nina Li saw her 11-year-old daughter, Katie Tung, a sixth-grade violist at Sunrise Valley Elementary, flourish. “She had outgrown her school program, but we weren’t ready for an expensive, intense private studio,” Li said. “NYE was exactly what we needed.”

For students, rehearsing alongside experienced adults has been both inspiring and intimidating. Violinist Alexandra Castro, 14, said the biggest hurdle was conquering nerves. “Rehearsing with adult musicians means getting rid of the fear of making mistakes,” said the Park View High School freshman. “But it changed how I think about music and my future because it encouraged me to reach for my passion.”

Park View sophomore and cellist Heidi Andrews, 15, agreed: “Playing with the RCO has helped me improve and encouraged me to possibly explore a career in music.”

For others, the experience has been transformative. NYE violinist Dishant Maharjan said adjusting to the ensemble’s size and sound pushed him to new levels. “This experience allowed me to understand what professional music could sound like,” said the 15-year-old South Lakes High School sophomore. His mother, Shanti Maharjan Ranjitkar, saw immediate growth: “His tone, versatility, and emotion have been phenomenal. NYE creates the platform where kids can learn with experienced adults and respect the value they bring.”

For RCO, the partnership reinforces its longstanding mission. As President Dave Tiller noted, mentoring has been central to the orchestra since its founding in 1987. “Our mission is to be Reston’s all-volunteer ensemble devoted to music, the community, and mentoring young musicians,” he said. That guidance takes many forms—shared stands, help with bowings and phrasing, encouragement through tricky passages, and even opportunities for youth to conduct or perform original compositions.

That spirit was on full display at the March 2025 concert, when 17 NYE students joined RCO for Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Double String Orchestra.” Seated as their own section but surrounded by adult musicians, the students were literally encircled by support. Paredes led from his violin rather than the podium, modeling technique and pushing the tempo. The students rose to the challenge, practiced diligently, and earned a standing ovation.

The impact continues to grow. Readyoff is preparing to expand NYE into band, choir, guitar, and percussion, noting that partnerships like this raise artistic standards and deepen community support. For RCO, the program helps ensure a love of orchestral music will thrive in the next generation.

“Our hope is that many of these youth will continue studying their instruments through and beyond their school years, eventually joining RCO,” Paredes said.

Families already see the results. “NYE is a great balance between quality instruction and a welcoming community,” Li said. “My daughter feels supported and looks forward to rehearsals every week.”

And for young musicians like Katie, Alexandra, Heidi, and Dishant, the partnership is shaping not just their musical skills but also their confidence and connection to the community—proof that making music together can foster belonging, mentorship, and joy.