Ave Maria Hometown Orchestra Prepares for New Season; Begins Instructional Program
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Published on Wednesday, 04 January 2012 19:33
Not just content with offering a performance opportunity for experienced musicians, the Ave Maria Hometown Band and Orchestra is branching out this year to provide instruction in classical violin to beginners.
The orchestra will begin practicing Jan. 17 under the direction of a new conductor - Michael Pakaluk (right), an accomplished classical musician who also chairs the Ave Maria University philosophy department.
Auditions for the orchestra, which are open to students in eighth grade through university who have at least three years of playing experience, will be held Jan. 10. Rehearsals will be held Tuesday evenings with a concert planned for April 15, where the students will also play with professional musicians from southern Florida.
This year, the orchestra will also offer a new instructional program for beginning musicians - Classical Virtuosi of Ave Maria.
"We have partnered with the foundation Classical Virtuosi Foundation from the east coast of Florida," said orchestra founder Mary Stuller, adding that "the foundation was created this year to continue the legacy of Thomas Moore, a violin teacher who taught violin for many years."
T
he violin instruction will offer two lessons each week beginning Jan. 12, with concerts planned for early June. Instruction will be by accomplished performer and teacher Kevin Seto (left).
Dr. Tim McDonnell, chair of the Ave Maria University music department, said he is excited about both the orchestra and the teaching initiatives, as they will offer opportunities to students at AMU to either plan or learn an instrument.
"Every season we have new musicians and some who are returning," said Mrs. Stuller. "It is always exciting."
More information on auditions, costs, schedules and personnel can be found on the orchestra's website, www.amhbo.org.
