Swann Selected for Philadelphia Youth Orchestra

Performing Arts Department Chair Clint Williams elaborated: “Because an orchestra generally has only one or two harpists, it becomes a highly competitive and coveted position. Being selected by a group as large as the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra is quite a big deal and certainly is a public recognition of Kat’s musical mastery. Her Sanford family is very excited for her.” The fact that Swann has studied the harp for less than three years makes her accomplishments even more noteworthy.

The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra is one of the most highly regarded youth orchestras in the United States, and it celebrates its 79th anniversary this year. Four performances will be held in the beautiful Kimmel Center venue in Philadelphia. Additionally, the shows will be broadcast live on WRTI, thus providing members of the Sanford community several opportunities to see or hear Swann and the orchestra perform.

In addition to being an excellent harpist, Swann also plays the piano. She has performed at several Sanford events and showcased her singing skills in the SRTC production of Annie. Swann devotes much of her free time to the study and practice of music. A portion of her summer was spent working with the principal harpist of the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Curtis Institute of Music. Sanford private music instructor Eunice Kim works with Swann on both the harp and piano. Swann's mother Nicole shared: “ If not for her work with Eunice and the Sanford faculty, I don’t believe the stars would have ever aligned to put Kat on this amazing path.”

Congratulations to Kat; it is going to be a most exciting year for her!