“I love seeing them and seeing their faces – that is the most rewarding,” Executive Director Ruth Smith said of the Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra.
The orchestra will host its annual concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 6 in the City Hall Rotunda, with a reception starting at 5 p.m. Vicky Newton will emcee the fundraising concert, and License Collector Michael McMillan is honorary chair.
Founded in 1993 by the late Kem Williams, the Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra teaches children how to read music and how to play classical music on stringed instruments. Its members range in age from eighth grade to high school. Last year it started a new program for beginning students, ages eight through 11. Currently, 41 students are a part of the beginners program or the orchestra proper.
Only stringed instruments, such as the cello and violin, are taught to the students.
“We’re able to structure the beginners so that we can have the cello and bass, so that we don’t have all violins,” Smith said.
The instructors at Cameron are mostly former orchestra members who decided to come back and help teach.
“The most exciting part is the teachers who have experienced Cameron. We’re very fortunate to have teachers who have the passion to get kids to learn this type of music,” Smith said.
Music Director James McKay Jr. is one of the original members of the orchestra.
“It gives me an opportunity to expose minorities to classical music. I’m able to share what I learn,” McKay said.
Sandra McAdams, another former orchestra member, has been teaching at Cameron for 12 years.
“I loved the organization. A lot of my close friendships were built through Cameron, because I found out there were other African Americans who loved classical music like myself,” McAdams said.
Normandy School District recently sought a grant to incorporate Cameron’s teachings into its music programs. Cameron works with Normandy middle and high schools, and next year plans to work with the elementary schools in the district.
Smith is open for anyone to be a part of the organization, but her main target is for African American students to learn about classical music.
“This is another avenue they can venture into and enjoy – learn about Bach and Mozart. This is another area they can be exposed to,” Smith said.
At the concert on Sunday, Smith and her staff have a special treat. For only the second time, the younger group of Cameron beginners will perform together onstage.
Smith said, “It should be a beautiful concert. The kids are really excited about showing it off. Whatever level they are, they’re happy. You can see it.”
For more information on the Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra go to cameronyco.ning.com.
