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Aristole said, “Music has a power of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young.”
The Kravis Center’s Spotlight on Young Musicians concert Friday brings some of the most devoted young musicians in the Palm Beach County to the big stage.

For a young string player, there’s no better proving ground than the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County. This three-tiered program begins with the String Orchestra for the youngest, elementary-age kids, the Symphony for middle-schoolers, and the Philharmonic Orchestra for older performers. In all, about 200 young musicians in Palm Beach County, from age 7 to 22, participate in the YOPBC.

“I’ve been with YOPBC for 16 years,” said Manual Capote, who directs the Philharmonic, “and I share, as a teacher and as a musician, my experiences and my knowledge with youngsters to inspire, encourage and educate. What I want to do is keep music in their lives, as an important part of their lives.

“It’s a social experience and the discipline of playing in an orchestra, playing with other musicians, working together goes beyond the basic rules of behavior. If you can get along in an orchestra, you can get along with people in any situation.”

The spirit of cooperation is fundamental, Capote says. “You want it to sound as an orchestra, not as 40 individuals.”

The Kravis Center’s Spotlight on Young Musicians
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Kravis Center
Event Listing: Directions, nearby restaurants, invite friends, more