It all began in Cary. Twenty years ago, Cary resident Hugh Partridge was asked by a small group of young musicians to help them start their own youth orchestra.

Many of these musicians had worked with Partridge and his former wife Marta when they participated in the Summer String Festivals sponsored by Cary Parks and Recreation starting in 1980. As no one knew that the organization would thrive and be destined for great accomplishments, the only early picture of that fledgling group that later became the Triangle Youth Philharmonic was taken at their first rehearsal and survives in a Cary News article from Feb. 14, 1988.

The orchestra soon grew and the musicians’ parents, especially Caryites Christine and Phil Albro, Ralph Jones and Laura Miller quickly formed the Philharmonic Association Inc. to support its activities. Until the group found a regular rehearsal site at Athens Drive High School, Regency Park developer Edward Woolner allowed the group to rehearse under the tent used for concerts before the amphitheatre was built.

Fast forward to 2008, and the single orchestra has grown to three plus a jazz ensemble, serving over 300 young musicians annually. The Philharmonic Association is well respected for the music education it provides young musicians from all over the Triangle and has been awarded National Endowment for the Arts funding for next season. To celebrate 20 years of the Triangle Youth Philharmonic, the Philharmonic Association, and the value of music education to our lives and community, alumni musicians will give a free concert at 3 p.m. June 1 at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. It is especially fitting that this performance is at Regency Park where the group rehearsed 20 years ago.

Some of the members of the orchestra played in the very first concert the Triangle Youth Philharmonic performed on May 22, 1988. They include Dana Mallory who makes Cary her home, and Jon Miller and Merritt Partridge who both grew up here. One member of the orchestra is currently a Town of Cary employee. Billy Dexter works for the parks and recreation department and will be playing viola in Sunday’s concert.

Some of these Cary musicians, such as Michael Danchi, have pursued music through college and are now professional. Others, such as Carrie Fleck-Bertics, have pursued another professions (Fleck-Bertics earned a degree in pharmacy). Many of the musicians, such as Micaela Fruend, have been practicing their instruments regularly, while others like Teralyn Dudley-Davis, who also lives here, admit that they “haven’t been playing consistently since high school.”

What all these musicians share is a love of great music and an appreciation of the opportunity they have had to participate in a youth orchestra. It’s not too late for additional alumni musicians of the Triangle Youth Philharmonic and Symphony, who graduated from high school 1988-2008, to participate. The two rehearsals for the event are on Saturday, May 31. Those interested should call 467-2727.

The Philharmonic Association appreciates the support that the Town of Cary, particularly Sarah Bunch, performing arts coordinator, and the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival have provided for our 20th anniversary celebration. Information about the free concert can be found at www.boothamphitheatre.com and www.philharmonic-association.org or by calling 645-8434. Gates will open for the 3 p.m. concert at 1 and picnic baskets are allowed.