Since March, California’s Youth Orchestras of Fresno has been offering online instruction for its musicians, with a curriculum that includes lessons and master classes with professional musicians from around the country. This fall, the organization has added string sectional training sessions, music-theory training, and an audition boot camp, while continuing virtual instruction with guest musicians. Guest faculty in 2020-21 include cellist and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music professor Emilio Colón; San Francisco Symphony violinist Leor Maltinski; Oklahoma State University horn professor Lanette Lopez-Compton; Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Principal Bass Ju-Fang Liu; Dali String Quartet violist Adriana Linares; and cellist Alisa Weilerstein. “We miss seeing our musicians in person,” says Music Director Thomas Loewenheim, “but this is second best, and we love the chance to meet with students weekly, and to share not only our musical knowledge but also our musical friendships.” Youth Orchestras of Fresno’s musicians come from California’s Central Valley; the program includes the free after-school Access Violin Program in West Fresno and the FOOSA Festival/Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy.
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