Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra to Host Inaugural ‘Summer Strings’ Camp

By the time summer rolls around, most kids aren’t thinking about learning anything for at least three months, but some students take advantage of the summer break to hone a particular interest or skill.

For students who love string instruments, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) offers “Summer Strings 2011,” a six-day camp for kids with some prior violin, viola, cello or bass playing experience who are rising fourth through 10th graders in the 2011-2012 school year.

According to JCSO Executive Director Sue Haggerty, the camp is ideal for any young strings musician, whether exposed to music through a school program or private lessons. In fact, the camp offers beginner orchestra classes for those younger students who are just starting out, as well as intermediate and advanced orchestra classes for the older students who have more experience.

Taught by JCSO professional musicians who are led by Concertmaster Adelaide Federici and JCSO Maestro J. Wayne Baughman, the camp classes are designed to reinforce proper technique while emphasizing sight-reading and ear training.  In addition, “Summer Strings” gives students exposure to ensemble groups, teaching them how to collaborate with fellow musicians. 

Haggerty says, “With a string trio or quartet, there will be only one or two musicians playing a particular instrument, so each student will really have to hold their part.”  She says that, like all summer camps, this offers students a platform to perform.

In fact, on Friday, June 17, at 7 p.m., select students and teachers (and possibly some guest musicians) will perform in an “Honors Concert,” billed as a “Chastain-like concert event.”  Families are invited to attend and encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to the outdoor venue.

And, “Summer Strings 2011” camp culminates in a grand finale concert performed by all the ensembles in the entire camp, on Saturday, June 18, at 11:30 a.m.  Open to all parents, the concert ends with a reception and meal, followed by camp dismissal.

In addition to the orchestra classes and chamber music classes is sectional instruction — sectional work by instrument designed to enhance and perfect individual playing ability.  Also, if time permits, fiddle classes will be offered to all students, regardless of skill level.

Haggerty says, “Fiddling, like done by the Charlie Daniels Band, is a style of non-traditional play that offers kids a fun release and a different way of playing strings instead of the classical style.”

Also like other summer camps, throughout the day, students will have breaks from the instrumental instruction to enjoy arts and crafts, sports and relaxation.  There will also be a lunch break, so students are asked to bring a sack lunch.  The camp will provide snacks and drinks daily.

“Summer Strings 2011” camp runs from Monday, June 13, through Saturday, June 18, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., at , 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road. The cost is $395 for the week. A $50 non-refundable deposit will hold the student's place; however, full payment is due May 15. Limited scholarships are available.

For more information, visit www.johnscreeksymphony.org, call 678-748-5802 or e-mail info@johnscreeksymphony.org.