SWFL Symphony hosts first Summer Orchestra Camp
The Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra opens its first-ever Summer Orchestra Camp in Fort Myers — a one-week intensive music camp with six conductors and masterclasses, along with a free donation-based finale concert for the public on July 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the Artistic Center at Bell Tower.
After reviewing audition applications from students all over the area, the final group of bright young musicians ages 13-17 was selected.
The conductors include Katrina Rozmus, a Southwest Florida Symphony violinist who also performs with the Sarasota Orchestra and The Naples Philharmonic, and Nathan Fish, an area French hornist, Florida Gulf Coast University alum and the music director at Ida S. Baker High School. Additionally, a variety of guest clinicians are scheduled to instruct throughout the week.
The camp is a face-to-face experience for intermediate and advanced-level string players, with the goal to provide quality symphonic training and performance experience for young musicians in the area.
Many of the students’ $350 tuition was sponsored by the Symphony Society, School District of Lee County and donors. The camp’s inaugural year was also made possible thanks to Bell Tower and other neighbors, with boxed lunches made available for campers to purchase from the Burntwood Tavern.
Interested students can still stay updated with the Youth Orchestra Facebook page to learn more about the fall auditions and the upcoming concert season, which is scheduled to commence on Oct. 26.