Derby Middle School to Host DSO Young Musician Program This Summer

Metro Detroit's young musicians should start tuning those instruments in preparation for the Avanti Summer MusicFest, scheduled for July 16-21 at Birmingham's Derby Middle School.

The six-day intensive camp is geared for musicians ages 14-18 and is hosted by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), the Musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (MDSO) and Save Our Symphony (SOS).

During Avanti, students will have the opportunity to train with DSO musicians and then perform on the world-renowned stage at historic Orchestra Hall in Detroit.

"Avanti is yet another example of the progressive way in which all the components of the DSO is uniting," said DSO music director Leonard Slatkin in a recent press release. "This initiative, coming from the musicians, shows how much all of us care about the musical education of our city's young people.

"With coaching, master classes, sectional rehearsal and performances, I believe that we are truly paving a path to the future," Slatkin added.

The program is open to 140 students, who will be divided into a band and orchestra. Students will rehearse two hours each day as a group, then spend an additional two hours in small sectionals led by DSO musicians.

One of those musicians is Kevin Good, a 33-year veteran trumpet player with the DSO.

"(Avanti) provides a much-needed local camp for music students during the summer break," Good said. "We're excited about reaching young performers who have had little to no experience with the DSO, but who have studied music in their schools and want to take it to another level."

This is the first year for Avanti, but according to Judy Doyle, president of SOS — a nonprofit group comprising DSO patrons, donors, subscribers, business owners and community members — it shouldn't be the last.

"By partnering with the community on this pilot, the musicians and the DSO created a new and fresh model for connecting with its public," Doyle said. "The success of Avanti this July will lay the foundation for future summer festival workshops and concerts."

Open enrollment for Avanti is under way and will close as each instrument section is filled. Tuition is $300.

Interested parents, students and teachers may visit avantisummermusicfest.org to download an application form. Applications must be fully completed and will be considered in the order they're received. For those students who may be unable to afford the tuition, DSO musicians have contributed $5,000 to the program in form of financial aid.