Encore! Chamber Musicians Perform

The “Encore! Chamber Muscians” presented a spring concert on Wednesday, May 6th at the Salem Community Center. These very talented young musicians have been preparing for the concert by taking private lessons as well as orchestra rehearsals each week. The hard work of the students and their directors was worth the effort as they presented a wonderful concert with numbers that included classical music from some of the great composers such as Mozart and Mendelssohn. Other performances this year included concerts at elementary schools in the area and at the Covey Center in Provo. Many of these young children participated in the Utah Valley String Festival placing first or second in their age groups. Some were chosen to play in the Honors Recital and awarded scholarships to several different quality summer orchestra camps.

Junior Orchestra, front row left to right: Legend Carter, David Finley, Joshua Hatton, Madeline Stone, Andrew Hale, Bethany Graham, Johnathan Tanner, Anna Tanner, Isaac Oldham. Back row, left to right: Sven Jamsa, Darby Thomas, Elisabeth Oldham, Andrea Bailey, Callie Peterson, Denise Jamsa, Bethany Davis, Amber Bailey, Rebecca Thompson and Rachel Christensen.

The Junior Orchestra is made up of children ranging in age from 7 to 12. It is under the direction of Denise Jamsa, a free lance violinist and teacher who helped organize the orchestra two years ago. She wanted to help her children and students learn to play together in an orchestra and give them opportunities to share their talents by performing. Another ourstanding teacher and free lance violinist, Andrea Bailey, is her assistant.

Senior Orchestra, front row left to right: Jacob Searcy, Benjamin Hale, Johnathan Hale and June Curtis. Back row left to right: Jocelyn Baker, Maren Williams, Ambrynn Bowman, Marcel Bowman, Savannah Stone and Taylor Stilson.

Marcel Bowman is the conductor for the Senior Orchestra made up of students attending Junior High school. As a free lance violinist he has experience performing with many symphonies including the Utah Symphony and Ballet West. He has a bachelor's and master's degree in music and teaches orchestra at the American Leadership Academy where the weekly rehearsals are held during the school year. Marcel is assisted by his wife, Monika, a free-lance cellist and teacher.

Auditions for both orchestras will be held in August. If you are interested in your children performing with them, contact Melinda Oldham at 801-423-1976.