Students from MacPhail’s Northside Youth Orchestra recently had the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside the internationally acclaimed duo Sons of Mystro as part of the Flint Hills Family Festival, presented by the Ordway.
Before taking the stage, students participated in a workshop and rehearsal at MacPhail with the violin duo, whose innovative performances blend classical training with genres including reggae, hip-hop, jazz, and popular music. Known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible on string instruments, Sons of Mystro challenged students to think creatively, embrace musical curiosity, and approach performance with confidence.
The experience culminated in a public performance at the Flint Hills Family Festival in downtown Saint Paul, where Northside Youth Orchestra students joined Sons of Mystro on stage for their encore before an enthusiastic audience.
Opportunities to work directly with professional artists and perform on major stages can be highly transformative. Experiences like this help young musicians build skills, broaden their artistic horizons, and see firsthand the many possibilities a future in music can hold.
MacPhail is grateful to Sons of Mystro, the Ordway, and the Flint Hills Family Festival for creating this memorable experience for our students and helping inspire the next generation of musicians.