Ryan Spooner

Saint Dominic Academy senior Ryan Spooner played violin recently in Portland’s Merrill Auditorium. He got that rare opportunity as a member of the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra (PSYO), which presented its annual Fall Concert at the venerable concert venue on November 13. Comprised of more than 70 musicians ranging in age from 11 to 18, the PYSO is a pre-professional program that challenges its young members with a diverse repertory of orchestral literature.

A talented and highly motivated musician, Spooner has played the violin since he was seven years old. At St. Dom’s, he is involved with the school’s music program and Music Ministry. He also plays with other local orchestras, including the Youth Orchestra of Lewiston-Auburn (YOLA), the District II Orchestra, the Mid Coast Orchestra, and even local theaters. On the same weekend as the PYSO’s Fall Concert, he played with the pit orchestra for Edward Little High School’s production of “Legally Blonde.”

His hard work has produced impressive results. Spooner has played with the PYSO for over three years, plays first chair in YOLA, and scored the highest out of 50 auditions for the District II Orchestra, earning the right to perform as Concert Master for their January Concert.

“It has been amazing to watch Ryan develop his musical skill and talents over these past five years,” said Admissions Director and Music Ministry Moderator Jim Boulet. “I feel like every time I see him, he is playing a different instrument. Ryan has always been very generous with his time in volunteering to play for various functions and liturgical celebrations. Regarding his playing at Mass, I especially appreciate the tact he uses in knowing where his instrument fits into the overall dynamic of the song being played.”

Next year Spooner hopes to attend the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York to study Music Education and/or Music Performance. But in the meantime, his next performance with the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra is scheduled for April 16.