This semester, Kira Omelchenko and the FSC Chamber Orchestra had the honor of performing at prestigious events, like the 2015 Fall Conference of the combined Florida Orchestra Association and the Florida/American String Teachers Association.
Playing at the conference is by invitation only. Because it is based on reputation, this is a privilege that usually goes to larger schools and programs, and orchestra director Kira Omelchenko was especially thrilled to be featured. “It’s a great showcase for the students here, ”she said. “It builds their confidence up to be invited to play such a selective, high profile event.”
”There are always performances happening, which just shows how versatile and engaged the department is.” ~Delaney Woods ‘17
With works ranging from Mozart to Vivaldi and Gershwin, Omelchenko carefully hand selected each piece to really celebrate the student’s talent. “We are a smaller chamber orchestra, which is a sound and type of instrumentation that you don’t often get to hear,” she noted. “I was careful to choose pieces that were unique, so it was an educational experience for the students, for myself, and for the other orchestra directors to hear and bring back to their own schools.”
The FSC Chamber singers, too, have recently been selected for a special performance with a greater musical community. On November 7th, Beth Gibbs and the FSC Chamber Singers served as the featured laboratory choir for the 2015 fall conference of the Florida American Choral Directors Association in Lake Mary.
Chosen through an audition process for their high level of musicianship, musicality, ensemble cohesiveness, and flexibility, the Chamber Singers performed for the annual Conducting Seminar. During the two-hour master class, the group worked with numerous different conductors, challenged to react musically to the different techniques and musical concepts presented, all in front of an audience of choral professionals and students.
Music Department Chair Paula Parsché noted that by taking the department out into the community. “We hope to increase the visibility of the College as an arts/education resource and destination.”
With this kind of innovation and community involvement, it is no wonder that the FSC music program is attracting students from all over the country and, increasingly, internationally. It is truly a frontrunner for students who want high-level training and performance opportunities combined with the individual attention that only a small school can provide.
Delaney Woods ‘17 said, “It’s really exciting to be a part of a college and department that is very active. There are always performances happening, which just shows how versatile and engaged the department is, always putting our work in practice.”
FSC music department is a place where students hone their craft as musicians, innovators, educators and valued members of the community.