Frenship High School senior Ryder Day will take center stage this spring as the featured flute soloist for the Lubbock Youth Orchestra concert.  

"I feel very fortunate and honored to have been selected as the featured soloist," said Day. "When they announced that I won, I froze in shock for a second and just had to let it sink in."  

Day will perform as the overall soloist on the flute, accompanied by the orchestra. For his solo performance, he has chosen the third movement of the Ibert Flute Concerto. 

"I chose this piece because it highlights both the technical and lyrical side of the flute and has a killer cadenza at the end," said Day. 

Day’s journey in music began in eighth grade when he started playing the flute. As a freshman, he also learned to play the piccolo. Over the years, music has been a significant part of his life.  

"Music has been a creative outlet of mine for a long time that lets me express a multitude of emotions," said Day. "It has shaped me by letting me get closer with my friends and has also made me more confident since there is no such thing as a neurotic piccolo player." 

Day’s accomplishments are impressive. He is a four-year TMEA All-State musician, ranking among the top five flutists in Texas, and has been recognized as a National Flute Association competition winner and a TSSEC Outstanding Performer. Additionally, he attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp for two years and was accepted into the Interlochen Arts Academy for his senior year. 

Despite his musical success, Day plans to pursue a career in neuroscience and medical research while keeping music as a lifelong hobby.  

"I still want to find a way to keep playing my instruments and keep music as a part of my life," said Day. 

Frenship Band Director Scott Carter is very proud of Ryder Day and his many accomplishments. 

"It is such an honor for a Frenship Band member to win this opportunity to perform with the Lubbock Symphony," said Carter. "We’re so excited that out of all the incredible musicians who auditioned, Ryder was chosen as the 2025 concerto winner." 

Cater has enjoyed having Day in the Frenship Band Program over the years. His hard work ethic and dedication to excellence has always stood out. 

"As a four-year TMEA All-State musician, Ryder has been showcasing his talent for many years. He continues to exceed our expectations by working extremely hard and always practicing with a purpose," said Carter.  

Both Carter and Day want to thank Anna Henry, Day’s private lesson teacher, for helping to foster his growth and success. 

"We are so thankful for the dedication of his amazing private lesson teacher, Anna Henry, for helping Ryder achieve such a high level of success,” said Cater.  

“I have to thank my wonderful lesson teacher, Anna Henry, as I would not be where I am today without her support and guidance,” said Day. 

This is not the first time a Frenship student has been featured as a soloist for the Lubbock Youth Orchestra concert, but it remains a significant milestone for the Frenship Band program.  

"Three other Frenship Band members have won this Concerto Competition with the Lubbock Symphony over the years," said Carter. 

The Lubbock Youth Orchestra Spring Concert is March 9, 2025, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Auditorium. For more information on the concert, click here.  

Congratulations, Ryder Day! We are proud of you for representing Frenship well. Best of luck at the concert!