Schools

A Chat With MHS Grad and Boston Youth Symphony's Troy Harvey

The recent Melrose High School graduate will perform in the BYSO's final concert of the season this Sunday.

After attending Melrose Public Schools since the first grade, Troy Harvey graduated with the rest of his class at Melrose High School's ceremonies last week, but the young musician isn't done yet. A bass player in the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO), the Dorchester resident will perform one of his favorite pieces in the BYSO's final concert of the season this Sunday, June 13 at 3 p.m. in Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. Melrose Patch spoke to Harvey this week about that favorite song and his thoughts on contemporary music.

Melrose Patch: How long have you been playing with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra?

Harvey: Four years.

Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Melrose Patch: How did you first become involved with the BYSO?

Harvey: I found out from my private teacher.

Find out what's happening in Melrosewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Melrose Patch: When did you start playing and studying music?

Harvey: I started on the violin in third grade and then I switched to bass in the sixth grade.

Melrose Patch: Why bass?

Harvey: I'm not really sure— because no one in the orchestra was playing bass.

Melrose Patch: Do you have a favorite song to play? Also, do you have a favorite song to listen to?

Harvey: My favorite song is probably Brahms Symphony Number 2, which we're playing this Sunday.

Melrose Patch: Do you think kids your age have an appreciation for classical musical?

Harvey: Not really.

Melrose Patch: Why do you think that is?

Harvey: I think they just find it boring.

Melrose Patch: But you don't find it boring.

Harvey: Nope.

Melrose Patch: I'm guessing that as a younger guy, you listen to contemporary music as well. Who are some of your favorite artists?

Harvey: I'm not really into contemporary. I'm more old-fashioned.

Melrose Patch: So do you have a favorite composer?

Harvey: Mozart.

Melrose Patch: What are your post-high school plans?

Harvey: I'm going to UNH (University of New Hampshire).

Melrose Patch: Do you plan to continue studying music formally?

Harvey: Yes, it's going to be my minor. My major will be education in math.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here