The Central Texas Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra just concluded a special summer camp for student musicians with an end-of-camp performance, marking an end to the group’s fifth season.
The camp was made possible by the W.D. Kelley Foundation, Youth Orchestra leaders, Jager Loyde, director of fine arts for Round Rock School District, and Justin Anderson, director of orchestras at McNeil High School.
Many of the Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s principles and musicians served as camp faculty. Jim Van Zandt, who is a board member, related to the students in a positive way by providing sectionals/master classes, side by side playing, leadership training, conducting class and full orchestra rehearsals leading up to the final performance.
This year, 30 students participated. Only nine of them had prior Youth Orchestra experience. The camp cost $100 per student and nine scholarships were provided. Auditions for the 2023-2024 Youth Orchestra season begin July 24