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More than 200 students to practice musical performance team-building skills at Summer String Camp

June 15, 2017

NKSO Youth Concertext week, more than 200 students will gather at Bearden High School for one week to participate in Summer String Camp, put on by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra staff and volunteers. Students will rehearse with KSO musicians and public-school music specialists, practice their string instruments and perform in concert together on Friday, June 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bearden High School Auditorium, the final day of camp. The concert is free and open to the public.

204 young musicians (ages 6-18) will be divided into small ensemble groups by instrument and skill level. They will practice in classrooms and as a string orchestra on stage in the Bearden High School (BHS) Auditorium. There are four orchestras led by conductors from the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra. The final concert with all five orchestras performing will be Friday, June 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the BHS Auditorium.

“These young musicians work with coaches throughout the week to rehearse, said Kathy Hart, Manager of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra (KSYO) and founder of String Camp.

“This year, the theme is “Music Celebrating Dance,” and the students will study the diverse types of music that accompany different styles of dance in addition to practicing their instruments and honing skills. String Camp combines fun with rehearsal and results in a fantastic group performance at the end of the week. 57 of the 204 kids are brand new to string camp this year and have never performed with the KSYO. It is always a treat to see the progress of these young musicians as they refine their technique and fall deeper in love with music.”

About Summer String Camp

The Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association has held Summer String Camp for 23 years running. Students range in age from 6 – 18 and perform at all levels of experience. This year, students attending String Camp represent 54 different schools in 17 cities in 11 different Tennessee counties and one from North Carolina. The full schedule and more information about Summer String Camp can be found here. Students will learn from and practice with five KSYO Conductors, seven KSO musicians who are coaches, and 18 area