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The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO) is a youth and family development program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The program is designed to use the life skills learned in music instruction to engage youth in activities that discourage at-risk behaviors and keep them committed to staying in school.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Thanks for the (Strings Scholars Camp) memories!

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending a concert celebrating Butler Community Arts School's Strings Scholars camp on the campus of Butler University. This camp is open to students in grades 7-12 and several of our MYO students participated. Favorite songs include Fiddlin' Around, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and a crazy medley guised as a arrangement of Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

This camp is wonderful, in that, in addition to offering daily orchestra rehearsals sectionals and technique classes with Butler faculty and music majors, participating students experience typical college music classes like music theory and electives include drumming, dance, and keyboard. Special sessions were also held on topics of college readiness and access, including how to prepare for an audition, choosing a major or a college, financial aid, career paths in music, and more...

It is duly noted that this stuff doesn't just happen by itself! The woman "behind the curtain" is Karen Thickstun who beautifully orchestrated an engaging, exciting program for these campers. (Hey, she even spent the week sleeping in a college dorm with several residential campers! That's dedication!!) My informal interviews with several MYO students folowing the concert spawned rave reviews!!

Thanks Karen for your tireless efforts! You really are amazing at what you do and programs like this would never be possible without someone like you working magic behind the curtain!!!

THANK YOU!!

This week BCAS is running its Strings Cammp for ages 6-12. I'll be sure to stop by and say "hi" to some of our students! See you there!