Youth orchestras - does prestige/competitiveness matter, and what at level?
My 9 yo was accepted into the first (youngest, lowest level) orchestra at what would be considered the top youth orchestra in a major city and also the first orchestra at the local music conservatory youth orchestra program (BYSO PE vs NCE STO for those who are local). Does prestige and how competitive it is to get into an orchestra matter if my kid is likely not going to become a professional violinist? Would it be a black mark on the kid if they turn down the BYSO spot and then in later years audition again? How much does say being in a top youth orchestra matter in a college application if they’re not applying to be a music major? Why wouldn’t someone just pick a more chill orchestra? I know some parents of BYSO kids who say the pressure is so huge and yet also say not to give up this opportunity.