English senior named ambassador to Hub’s symphony orchestra

LYNN – A Lynn English High School senior is living a dream as a student ambassador to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.”I’m on the BSO teen council, I’m an ambassador” said Shen Gao. “I am so excited about the BSO. I just went to a meeting (recently).”According to Fine Arts Director Joseph Picano the competition was fierce for the spot and Gao was only one of 15 students chosen across the commonwealth. Her job as an ambassador is to reach out to her peers and help the BSO at concerts as an usher or ticket taker.Gao said she had to fill out a lengthy application that included questions about her grades as well as extracurricular activities and activities outside school.”They want someone that is involved in the community as well,” Picano said.Gao is plenty involved. The honor student plays piano, clarinet and mallet percussion. She is in the jazz band and is also Drum Major for the All City Band.”I went to UMass Amherst for a Drum Major Camp,” she said. “It was four days of learning to be a drum major.”Gao has performed for senior citizens and underprivileged kids at Christmas and taken part in various veterans ceremonies, Picano noted.While she plans to make the most of her time with the BSO music might not be her everything when it comes to college next year – or it might.”I plan to go to a typical university where I can change my major,” Gao said. “I think I will at least minor in music – or I might major in it. I really don’t know.”Superintendent Catherine Latham encouraged the young musician to enjoy her time.”It’s an elite group,” she said. “It’s so exciting and nice for you.”Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected].