Opening Musical Doors
Symphony of the Redwoods Youth Program
The
Symphony of the Redwoods Youth Program was established
in 2004 to support and serve the needs of young
string players in Mendocino County. Unlike players
of band instruments, string players in the county
have few opportunities in school to play in groups.
Without this experience, students taking private
lessons are limited to practicing on their own
at home, usually just a single part of a piece
of music intended for more than one player. Playing
in groups, ranging from small ensembles of three
or four to an entire string orchestra, provides
musical satisfaction, excitement and stimulus that
are essential for continued effort and personal
practice on the part of each student. It can also
lead to a lifetime enjoyment of music both as participant
and audience member. At present the following activities
come under the umbrella of the SORYP:
Redwood Youth Orchestra: This
group was formed as a string orchestra in 2003
and has presented yearly concerts since then. In
May 2006, the orchestra performed a concert on
the Mendocino Art Center Sunday afternoon series,
with a progam including Bach's third Brandenburg
Concerto. In March 2007 the orchestra performed
concerts in both Mendocino and Ukiah. The orchestra
rehearses in two six week sessions between October
and March, and includes students from Mendocino
and Fort Bragg as well as inland, Willits, Ukiah
and Boonville. Redwood Youth Orchestra is conducted
by Marion Crombie, with the assistance of Abigail
Summers.
Inland Youth String Ensemble:
This group grew out of the string classes atthe
Waldorf School in Calpella, and out of the need
for an intermediate string group inland. It now
takes place after school every week, and includes
some students who are not at the Waldorf School.
Students gain ensemble experience in this group
before moving on to the Youth Orchestra. This group
is conducted by Abigail Summers.
Redwood Youth String
Camp (formerly Jughandle String
Camp): This is a residential five day summer camp
which in 2006 had 28 students, run by Marion Crombie
and Marcia Sloane, with the assistance of Abigail
Summers. Students play in a string orchestra as
well as in smaller ensembles. There are various
other activities offered, including evening concerts
by visiting musicians. The final concert, which
is open to the public, is held at Wellspring Renewal
Center in Philo, where the camp is held. http://www.navarrorivermusic.com/
The teachers involved in this program are all
members of the Symphony of the Redwoods. Marion
Crombie is a viola player, who teaches viola and
violin in Mendocino and Willits. Marcia Sloane,
cellist, teaches in Navarro and Ukiah, and Abigail
Summers, also a cellist, teaches in Willits and
Ukiah. Besides their work with the Symphony, they
are all involved in various chamber music groups,
and committed to offering these experiences to
their students. For more information about this
program, contact Marion Crombie 937 5083 or marn@mcn.org
Most of the students who attend these activities
are already paying for weekly private lessons,
and for some families the additional fees required
for these groups are unaffordable or represent
considerable financial hardship. The Symphony's
Youth Program Scholarships will make these programs
accessible to more young musicians.
Apart from the obvious musical advantages, these
activities have social and educational benefits.
Playing in an orchestra is a model of cooperative
learning, requiring intense focus, concentration,
hard work, and respect. The mixed age ranges in
these groups offer much-needed opportunities for
constructive peer influences.
Those of us who play in the Symphony of the Redwoods,
or who enjoy going to concerts or listening to
music, know the benefits and joy that music brings
to our lives. We aim to ensure that those experiences
can continue to be offered to the youth of this
county.
Contributions to the Symphony of the Redwoods
may be specifically designated for the Youth Program.
Redwood Youth Orchestra
Founded by former orchestra members Lisa Buringrud
and Robert Holm, The Redwood Youth Orchestra, directed
and coached by Symphony violist Marion Crombie,
is now in its forth year.
For this season the orchestra is composed of string
players only and welcomes players 9-18 with some
experience. Admission will be by teacher reference
and/or audition.
Musicians, donors, and sponsors are encouraged
to call Marion Crombie at 937-5083 for application
forms and more information.
Email us at symphony@mcn.org or
call (707) 964-0898
