AT THE MFA SUMMER SYMPOSIUM, LAUNCHING 2016
Music for All is proud to announce it will launch a track for middle school band students at the 2016 Music for All Summer Symposium, presented by Yamaha.
The Symposium already includes a track for Middle School Band Directors. The new track will offer a concert band experience for all middle school band students.
The division is being coordinated by two middle school band directors who currently teach in the Chicago suburbs: Keith Ozsvath, band director at Rotolo Middle School in Batavia, and Greg Scapillato, band director for Northbrook School District 28. Both Keith and Greg are deeply familiar with Music for All and the Summer Symposium, having attended the camp as high school students and having served as SWAG Team members (counselors and teaching assistants) as college students and young band directors.
“I am very excited that middle school band students will now be able to experience the same positive energy and amazing educational environment that the Summer Symposium is known for,” says Ozsvath. “These students will make music, new friends, and lasting memories while learning from outstanding educators.”
“This is a big win for middle school band programs everywhere!,” says Scapillato. “A natural ‘next step’ for the Symposium, this camp is uniquely positioned to foster both the growth of the young band student and their desire to continue performing. As an organization, MFA has excelled at shaping the band experience of countless high school students. Those of us living in the world of middle school band will benefit greatly from MFA’s positive influence.
“Simply put, the MFA Summer Symposium is the best place for a middle school band student, for all the reasons that matter to students, directors, and parents: engaging conductors and clinicians; exciting evening concerts; motivated peers with similar interests; a safe and welcoming environment for personal growth. Students will return to their band programs infused with positive energy and renewed motivation. I am genuinely excited to bring this new opportunity to the students in our band programs!”
“Music for All is excited to begin offering the MFA educational, positively-life changing experience of our summer camp to middle school band students,” says Deb Laferty Asbill, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Music for All. “We believe it will not only improve their immediate band experience and provide valuable skills they can take back to their own bands, but will also play a role in retention and in choosing to continue to participate in their high school music programs.”
Details and curriculum are in development. Registration information and applications will be available in December 2015, when the full 2015 camp registration goes live during the Midwest Clinic.
