"A man who wants to lead an orchestra must turn his back on the crowd," reads a hand-written quote on the door of Kyle Hayes' practice room in the Siegel High School band room.

"I have my own practice room," said Kyle, a senior. "It has pictures and stuff in it, too, because I live in there."

Kyle, who will play a solo piece in Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra's May 2 concert, has certainly had to seclude himself from the crowd to become such an accomplished French horn player in just three years.

No one ever has to tell Kyle to practice an instrument, because he just loves to do it. The same goes for Elizabeth Gassler, a cello player and fellow member of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.

Both Kyle and Elizabeth will perform solos one week from today during the MYO's final concert of the season, "Creative Awakenings: Blending Visions."

The show, which also includes the Preparatory Strings Orchestra, is set for 7 p.m. May 2 in Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building at MTSU. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students, and tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 849-3803.

The MYO is comprised of about 100 kids from 10 surrounding counties and 26 local schools. Members must audition to join, and both Kyle and Elizabeth say the rewards extend well beyond musical training.

"Being in the orchestra has taught me how to be a team player, and not just being concerned with myself and my schedule, but with the others around me," explained Elizabeth, a fifth-year member.

"I learned that you can't just blow off a rehearsal because it hurts the whole group."

Seven years ago, after Elizabeth attended a friend's cello recital, she knew that was the instrument she wanted to play.

"I love the sound that it makes," she said with enthusiasm, "and how musical and beautiful it is."

For Kyle, deciding on an instrument was not quite as easy. He started on piano, and then went on to bass clarinet, and now he plays the French horn.

If he sees an instrument lying around, Kyle said he is likely to pick it up and start playing.

Kyle and Elizabeth, who both attend different schools, met one another in the MYO. They became good friends during Governor's School last summer, and the pair will soon attend Siegel High's prom together.

Next Tuesday, Kyle will play "Horn Concerto No. 1, Richard Strauss, I, Allegro"; and Elizabeth will play "Allegro Appassionato" by Camille Saint-Saens.

Those who come to the show can "see prom dates in action," said Kyle with a smile.

In 2001, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students who perform music scored 57 points higher on the verbal part of the SAT and 41 points higher on the math portion.

And students taking course work in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on the math than students with no arts participation.

"There is the creativity factor," explained Susan Mullen, music director for the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra. "(Music students) think outside the box, and will reach within themselves for more answers."

A lot of people do not associate the ability to play in an orchestra with the ability to work in a science laboratory, but "the link is there," said Mullen.

But music can do much more for the development of a child than improved test scores. The following is a list of more reasons music is good for your child, provided by Mullen:

1. All musicians learn discipline.

2. Orchestra players learn how to work in a team.

3. Leading section members learn leadership skills.

4. Playing music engages both sides of the brain.

5. Note reading helps with mathematical skills and counting.

6. Improved dexterity helps with computer skills.

7. Students learn the rewards of dedication.

8. Children can express themselves personally through music.

9. Music can be calming to hyperactive children and adults.

10. Organized music activities are a great way to meet new people and make new friends.