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Young Musicians Look To Prove Music Programs Still Alive In Philadelphia Schools

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Some of Philadelphia's best young musicians took center stage Tuesday night for the annual All City High School Music Festival at the Kimmel Center.

Frank Machos with the School District of Philadelphia says the night gives the more than 400 student musicians a chance to show that music is still alive in their schools.

"Despite the cuts and the lack of funding that we hear about all the time, you get to see what our kids do to thrive above the circumstances."

Joseph Conyers, the assistant principal base with the Philadelphia Symphony, also directs the All City Orchestra.

"With the tools of music and the skill set it needs to study music and do this profession, it will give them life skills needed to do whatever they want to in life."

Danielle Romano, who plays the viola, has been in the All City Orchestra for the last seven years. She says the skills and lessons she's gained from her experience are priceless.

"It's just really great to have people who are in this profession and do this every single day to have their input."

This year, the young musicians debuted a piece written specifically for them, called "Promise of the City."

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