This summer we offered students in South King County an extraordinary opportunity: Symphony South, a new four-week intensive music program created in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.
Symphony South brought together Key to Change students and young musicians from the Federal Way School District for a transformative month of music-making. Students met four days a week, rehearsed in a full string orchestra, and received small ensemble coaching, all led by our expert instructors and special visiting artists.
During one unforgettable week, three of the country’s top string players visited the program to provide guidance, mentorship, and high-level instruction that are rarely available to students in a summer program in our region.
- Beth Guterman Chu, Principal Viola, St. Louis Symphony
- Svend Rønning, Concertmaster, Symphony Tacoma
- Nathan Chan, Assistant Principal Cello, Seattle Symphony
“I am in awe of how organized and motivated everyone is in this program,” Guterman said. “Quinton is a phenomenal teacher and the things that the students learn this summer will carry over into other parts of their lives. They’re making friends, learning how to practice, and working on creating something beautiful together. These are the best parts of making music.”
After four weeks of rehearsal, coaching sessions, and working to develop their ensemble skills, the students gave a final performance on July 24 at Thomas Jefferson High School, where they played for an excited audience of families, teachers, and community members who were amazed by the incredible progress students made in just a few weeks.
The full string orchestra was conducted by Daren Weissfisch, Principal Conductor for the Tacoma Opera and Music Director of the Lake Union Civic Orchestra.
