Teen Academy Raises Tone of Local music

More than 40 area musicians have enrolled in the fifth annual Westmont Academy for Young Artists (WAYA), an intensive two-week program for local musicians ages 12-18, from Aug. 5-17 at Westmont. Tuition costs $1100 ($650 for half session) with merit-based scholarships available to talented applicants who audition.

Performances, which are free and open to the public, frequently include faculty-student collaboration. The Solo and WAYA String Chamber Orchestra Concert is Saturday, Aug. 10, at noon in Porter Theatre. The WAYA Faculty Concert is Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m. in Deane Chapel. The Chamber Music Playoffs, a performance oriented workshop, are Friday, Aug. 16, at 3 p.m. in Deane Chapel. The Chamber Music and WAYA Symphony Orchestra Concert is Saturday, Aug. 17, at noon in Porter Theatre.

WAYA is designed to significantly improve students’ instrumental technique and musical artistry. “This training will help students prepare for their orchestral and chamber music activities at school, college auditions and Music Teacher Association’s Certificate of Merit,” says director Han Soo Kim, associate professor of music and head of strings at Westmont. .

WAYA features faculty members include Kim, his wife Joanne, Loribeth Gregory-Beck, Mary Beth Woodruff, Sang Jun Yhee, Angela Miller, Michael Shasberger, Amy Hagen Emily Sommermann, Andrea Di Maggio and Laura Walter. Guest teacher, chamber music coaches and teaching assistants include Jim Connolly, Eric Heidner, Junia Work, Samila Aquino Holt and Marcia Dickstein. “Our instructors include nationally acclaimed musicians, performers and teachers,” Kim says. “We will teach, inspire and mentor students through lessons, performances, workshops and classes.”

In addition to playing their primary instrument, participants will study music theory, sight-reading and conducting, which will help them fully understand the conductor. They will learn other skills, such as working and communicating with fellow musicians, preparing to perform under pressure, techniques for practicing, preparing for college, and advice about college applications. Each student will receive four private lessons and attend workshops and classes.