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Summer music camp set for July

Written by Mark B. Schwartz, Assoc. Publisher

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

The Summer Music Institute of First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs, is launching its third season July 21, culminating in a free concert to the public Friday evening, July 25 at 7:00 p.m. Special guest David Davidson joins them this year, bringing his unique artistry that crosses the boundaries of traditional musical styles by combining the worlds of classical, pop, commercial, sacred and Celtic music. Davidson is active in the recording industry as a member of the Nashville String Machine and has recorded with such artists as Amy Grant, Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Dolly Parton, Sawyer Brown and the Indigo Girls. His current solo releases include Prelude to Joy, with Milk & Honey Records and Silver Screen Classics, and Celtic Fantasy with Green Hill Music. Using his music in numerous roles, Davidson has served as concertmaster, soloist, composer, and producer, including a feature on Warner Brothers release Conversations in Silence.

Davidson will teach and perform as soloist in the Institute’s week-long string camp this summer. Known pieces as well as Davidson’s original songs and arrangements will be featured in the Friday concert, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtaking Pie Jesu, performed as violin and cello duet accompanied by orchestra; Davidson’s own Fairy Dance which is sure to rival your favorite Celtic CDs; and the beloved hymn Be Still My Soul in a beautiful violin and viola duet accompanied by classical guitar.

Another guest artist, Paul Jacobson, will act as conductor this year, bringing his years of experience as composer, music minister, performer, worship musician and educator to the Institute. Jacobson has been writing, performing and directing music professionally for over 25 years. Students will also be featured in solos, duets and ensembles.
The program has been developed by Don Robinson, former and retired Concertmaster of the Colorado Springs Symphony. The week’s events are patterned after concert series he and his wife, Janell, have directed in Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, and Peru since 1996. In addition to his career as educator, performer, soloist, and musical leader, he brings his enthusiasm for sharing the beauty of music and God’s love to the people of the world to the camp.

The Institute meets each day, July 21-25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each day’s events include rehearsals, sectionals, discussion, snack and lunch breaks. Snacks are provided. Brown-bag lunches are brought by students. Intermediate to advanced students are invited to attend. Past participants included nine to twenty-four year olds from Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs. Cost: $65.

For information, contact the music department at First Presbyterian Church: 719-884-6174, www.first-pres.org/summermusic .