Middle school musicians have the chance to grow musically and socially during the annual districtwide orchestra camps.

By Rachel McReynolds

As July came to a close, the work of the new year began for some students, with the annual summer orchestra camp ensuring that middle schoolers never missed a beat.

At Fowler and Stafford middle schools, the sounds of string instruments filled the hallways and fine arts rooms about 150 young musicians gathered for the camp — an immersive week of rehearsals, music-making and camaraderie.

The third annual districtwide camp brought together students from almost every middle school to sharpen their performance skills ahead of the upcoming school year. Led by a team of 14 Frisco ISD orchestra directors, guest clinicians and high school volunteers, the camps offered students a unique opportunity to grow musically and socially.

“I love that the students get to meet other students from other campuses,” said Fowler director Victoria Lien. “It helps them to know what else is out there. I like that the students are able to get back into playing shape and for some who were in beginner class last year, they get a taste of what it is like to be in a rehearsal space!”

Students spend most of their half-day camp time in sectionals, gathering as a full orchestra at the end.

Nelson assistant director Melody Stevens led a violin sectional at the Stafford camp, urging students to use twice as much bow, improve their posture and move their arms. The difference in their playing between the first hour of camp and the last was amazing to see, she said.

“They are so motivated to improve — they’re like sponges, they absorb everything,” Stevens said.

On the Stafford stage, clinician and Plano ISD teacher Janae Taylor directed the full group through one measure after another, slowly at first and gaining tempo, correcting technique, posture and notes.

Having such dedicated, one-on-one instruction was a real confidence booster, students said.

Griffin seventh grader Annabelle said she was more prepared for a new year of orchestra, thanks to camp. Trent seventh grader Sophie, who plays the viola, loved getting the chance to play with the whole orchestra — her favorite are the cellos — and learn the “How to Train Your Dragon” theme. And Stafford seventh grader Zivah said it was amazing to see what they could accomplish in four days.

“Everyone is playing together so well,” Zivah said. “And the teachers are really nice to everyone. I would definitely come back next year!”

That’s no surprise to Zivah’s orchestra director, Amy Rutledge, who oversaw the camp hosted at Stafford.

“Our orchestra team and students in Frisco ISD are simply fantastic,” Rutledge said. “I am grateful to have the chance to welcome them to my home campus and get to see how much our students grow in such a short amount of time.”