Local students chosen for workshop

Twelve of the most talented high school strings players in Fayette were chosen to participate in the 2015 Spivey Hall Chamber Orchestra Workshop at Clayton State University.

The students include Ifeacho Awachie, Jocelyn Perrie, and Kevin Stanfield, all from Sandy Creek High; and Trey Baker, Allen Brackett, Cambria Caliendo, Abbee Campbell, Craig Davis, Spencer Kalafut, Ryan Kontos, Alexandra Kontos, and Alison Rudzinski, all from Whitewater High.

Orchestra teachers from high schools in metro Atlanta nominate their most talented students for the opportunity. Officials at Spivey Hall Education make the selection based on the nominee’s qualifications such as participation in the Governor’s Honors Program and/or All State Music Program, private lesson instruction, and selection to other ensemble programs.

The Spivey Hall Chamber Orchestra Workshop provides an opportunity for exceptional high school string players to be introduced to advanced orchestral literature, and to work with an acclaimed orchestral expert. This year the conductor was Dr. Marilyn Seelman, who previously served as conductor and music director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta before retiring in 2014.

The workshop took place Nov. 12-13 and culminated with a public performance on the final day.