A Musical Renaissance: Inside the Claflin Hill Youth Symphony Relaunch

Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Anna Damigella—wind ensemble director, program revival co-founder, and band director at Melican Middle School—and Zach Surapine, strings director for the Youth Symphony revival and Paul’s son, to discuss the relaunch of the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies after the pandemic brought in-person music-making to a halt.Anna and Zach reflect on their own musical beginnings. Anna shares her journey from trumpet and piano student to degrees at Ithaca College and American Band College. Zach recalls starting on clarinet and violin, performing with the MetroWest Youth Symphony and Claflin Hill Youth Symphony, and finding his path as an educator.Together, they explore how youth orchestra programs complement school music by offering a more focused, high-level ensemble experience—one that deepens musicianship while fostering mentorship, accountability, and lifelong friendships. Anna describes her experience at Claflin Hill as life-changing, highlighting the mentorship she received from Erich Ledebuhr, principal trumpet of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra.The conversation goes beyond music, examining the broader life skills cultivated in ensemble settings: belonging and community, sustained attention in rehearsal, preparation and responsibility, communication and collaboration, time management, and learning how to learn. At its core, they emphasize music not just as an activity, but as a lifelong source of meaning and connection.As they look ahead to the first relaunch concert in fall 2026, their hope is simple: that students and audiences alike feel pride, joy, and a lasting love of music.Learn more at www.claflinhill.org or contact the Youth Symphony at [email protected]. Episode Chapters00:00 First Notes & a Fainting Clarinetist: Why Music Class Sticks With Us00:41 Welcome to Classical Gassing + Youth Symphonies Relaunch01:31 Meet Anna Damigella: From First Trumpet Sound to Music Educator02:48 Meet Zach Surapine: Growing Up in Claflin Hill & Finding His Path04:00 From COVID Shutdown to Full-Circle Comeback: Why Relaunch Now06:04 Building a Lifelong Music Community (and Why It’s “Life-Changing”)07:25 Mentorship & Musical Growth: Beyond the Comfort Zone09:40 The Mission: High Standards, ZPD, and Supporting School Programs12:03 Belonging & Friendship: The Social Power of Ensembles