DSO Young Musician Workshop Returns to Birmingham This Summer

Attention young musicians: the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's (DSO) young musician workshop returns to Birmingham this summer and they're now accepting applications.

The AVANTI Summer MusicFest returns to Derby Middle School this July for six days of intensive music workshops. The program is open to music students age 13-18 throughout Metro Detroit.

During the program, students complete a week of intense study and instruction under the tutelage of 50 DSO musicans, including two hours a day in group rehearsal and two hours in sectionals.

"My daughter grew musically at the AVANTI workshop last summer," said Laura Fogleman, parent of an AVANTI student. "Her technique improved and she became a more disciplined musician. The location of the workshop was great, and the teachers were outstanding, and the final concert was phenomenal."

In addition to the workshops themselves, AVANTI students get to hear their teachers in action — last year, DSO musicians performed two concerts for the community at the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham. Capping off the week is a free concert at Orchestra Hall where students join their teachers on stage. This year's final concert will take place July 27.

This is the second year for the AVANTI program, which is sponsored in part by the Musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Save Our Symphony. Last year saw attendence from young musicians from Birmingham, Troy and Grosse Pointe.

"Last summer was a wonderful growth experience for everyone who participated," said Ken Thompkins, DSO's principal trombone. Marissa Casano, a flute player at Troy High School and 2012 participant, agreed.

"When I went back to school in September, I found that people were complimenting me on my playing, including my band director," Casano said.

This year's AVANTI workshops will take place July 22-27. Classes will take place from 8:45 a.m.-3 pm., with optional classes from 3-5 p.m. The six-day program is $350, plus an application fee of $40 — $20 for those who register before March.

New this year, 13-year-old string students will be accepted and while 13-year-old wind, brass and percussion students are encouraged to apply, they must play for a DSO musician to ensure they're ready for the program.

In addition to regular lessons, students will also meet for an hour of massed choir singing and have the opportunity to receive private lessons with DSO musicians for an additional fee.

"AVANTI is a great addition to Detroit's music education scene," said DSO president and CEO, Anne Parsons. "The entrepreneurialism of DSO musicians in developing AVANTI is offering music students the opportunities to strengthen their skills through hands-on, summer study under the director of our extremely talented musicians. It's a win-win-win for area music students, Metro Detroit and members of the DSO."

For more information about AVANTI, email workshop@avantisummermusicfest.org or visit www.avantisummermusicfest.org.