On the night Yo-Yo Ma came to the Utah Valley University Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, the most meaningful seats in the house may not have been the front row or the box seats, but rather the choir loft of the Concert Hall, where 50 students from Orem Junior High School sat eagerly awaiting the world-class cellist.
The UVU School of the Arts and Utah-based insurance company Trucordia partnered together to bring the Orem Junior High students to the UVU Noorda Center to experience Yo-Yo Ma. Felix Morgan, the CEO of Trucordia and UVU alumnus, said his love of music and the university motivated him to make sure these students could attend. “I love UVU, it’s my alma mater,” said Morgan. “I also love music and the arts and am just happy to provide an opportunity to kids who might not get another chance for an experience like this.”
Kasha Doxey, one of the invited students, plays and studies the same instrument as Yo-Yo Ma. As a cellist, the night held personal significance for her. “It’s just so inspiring to see where you can go as a musician in the arts,” Kasha explained.
Attending the performance with her was her mother, Trista Doxey, who is a graduate from the Woodbury School of Business at UVU and will be completing her Master’s in teaching this spring. For Trista, the chance to further instill the importance of the fine arts in her daughter was the biggest draw of the experience. “My daughter is already a great cellist, but I hope that seeing someone of Yo-Yo Ma’s skill in person continues to show her the power and value of participating in the fine arts,” explained Trista.
Tami Bonney, the mother of trumpet player and Orem Junior High student, Kyler Bonney, wanted her son to see Yo-Yo Ma live when she first learned the cellist was coming to UVU. “Unfortunately, by the time I went to buy them, the tickets were all sold out,” said Tami. “So, this invitation was truly a dream come true. I always say that the cello is the voice of God speaking. I hope that Kyler finds inspiration to achieve new heights as he listens to the power of Yo-Yo Ma’s performance.”
Kyler said he was looking forward to seeing the power and influence of live music performed by a world-class artist. “Everyone knows who Yo-Yo Ma is, even if you don’t play cello,” stated Kyler. “I'm excited to see how his music affects those who listen to it and the feelings it creates.”
Chaperoning the large group of students was Carsten House, the Orem Junior High School Band and Orchestra teacher. “As a teacher at a Title I school, it means the world to have UVU and Trucordia partner to give this experience to the students. They get to see one of the best, if not the best, classical performing artists live, something that many of them would not be able to afford otherwise,” explained House. “This is a fantastic example of how the fine arts build community. It’s a benefit to UVU, to the high school students, and to Orem at large.”
This partnership reflects the broader goal of UVU to make the arts more accessible to students and the local communities.
While these students felt the influence of the arts through each strum of Yo-Yo Ma’s bow, others will experience the power of dance during free workshops, the draw of the stage lights through summer theatre programs, or the pull of the art studio. Each initiative, large or small, is part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that meaningful artistic experiences remain within reach for the entire community. Visit the school’s website or email [email protected] to learn more about how community members can support the arts at UVU.
President Tuminez greets the Orem Junior High School students and their families.
Two Orem Junior High School students during a pre-show reception for Yo-Yo Ma.
President Tuminez (center) speaking with Orem Junior High School students and their parents prior to Yo-Yo Ma's performance.
