ST. THOMAS — G-Clef Music Academy on Wednesday announced the launch of its new VI Youth String Orchestra. The orchestra is said to have made its debut performance at the Partners for Strings Orchestra Fundraiser on Easter Monday at G-Clef in Mandela Circle (near Yacht Haven Grande).
The orchestra has been on the heart of Academy Director James H. Gumbs, Jr. for many years, according to the release. Once all of the important components began to fall into place, G-Clef began holding free weekly group orchestra lessons in February. The release says the orchestra has made a tremendous impact on participating students, such as improving their focus and performance skills as well as boosting their confidence and creativity.
Students ages 9 to 16 performed classical and inspirational pieces from Haydn to Beethoven during the Easter Monday event, according to the release. The orchestra fundraiser opened with “Variations on a Theme of Haydn”. Three students delivered solo piano and vocal performances and the event concluded with the VI Youth String Orchestra’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
“This year we are celebrating 10 years of providing music lessons for children and adults on the island of St. Thomas,” Mr. Gumbs said. “We opened our new St. Croix location earlier this month, and we just launched the VI Youth String Orchestra… Dreams really do come true.”
The academy director gave special thanks to violin instructor, Paul Turco, G-Clef teachers and staff, along with dedicated parents and sponsoring partners who were all instrumental in the orchestra’s spectacular debut, according to the release. G-Clef Music Academy is encouraging the community to become one of its “Partners for Strings” to support the growth of the youth orchestra.
If you are interested in supporting or finding out how your child can participate, call G-Clef Music Academy at (340) 344-6449.
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
