Youth Orchestras to Perform at WCAF Sept. 17, 2011

The FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest 2011 starts in just 16 days at Indian Spring Park.

Several years ago when Mia Orosco was a young child, she heard the Central Texas String Academy (CTSA) perform at the Waco Cultural Arts Fest.  She was so impressed she asked her parents to let her learn to play the violin. She studied violin many years in Waco and now is a nationally known fiddle player.  Mia Orosco won the Junior Division of the National Old Time Fiddler’s Association contest in Weiser, Idaho.

The CTSA led by Julia Hardie will return to the WCAF again this year on Sat. Sept. 17 at 11 am.  Maybe more children in the audience will grow up to be great musicians due to the inspiration of the talented string players and  teachers they see at the WCAF.

Another youth orchestra, the Prelude Gloria Chamber Group, will make its first appearance at the WCAF in 2011.  They will be performing immediately after the CTSA. The Prelude Gloria musicians are led by Katie James.

Here is information about these wonderful organizations for youth in the Waco area sent to me by their leaders.

Central Texas String Academy

The Central Texas String Academy has served this region for over 25 years and has a national reputation for excellence in teaching. CTSA specializes in individual instruction on violin, viola, cello, double bass, and classical guitar. Students range in age from 3 years old through high school. In addition to private lessons, students also participate in Suzuki classes, string orchestra, and chamber music.

In all teaching CTSA incorporates the philosophies of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who believed that every child has musical ability. Parents and teachers work together to develop the potential of each child. To learn more about the Suzuki approach visit suzukiassociation.org, the website for the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Prelude Gloria Chamber Group

Prelude Gloria is a week-long day camp for string players between 5 and 18 and is proud to celebrate its third year in operation in 2011. Each summer, Prelude students come together to learn to perform chamber music at a high level. Prelude students also have the opportunity to serve others by playing at local nursing homes, child care centers, and for the homeless. As an independent program of Mission Waco, Prelude was proud to host 30 campers this past June who learned to serve others with music. 

More information about the WCAF can be found at:

www.wacoartsfest.org/artists.html