This summer, the SCVYO took to making music outdoors in all kinds of places—everywhere from the Angeles National Forest to an open-air stage at Disney’s California Adventure to the Honor Grove on the College of the Canyons campus.

These outside musical experiences launched in early July, when about two dozen members of the SCV Youth Orchestra kicked off a summer program with a weekend of music in the Angeles National Forest.

Under the direction of Dr. Paul Sherman, young musicians ranging in age from 9 to 18 ventured into the great outdoors to play music at Lions Camp in Wrightwood, a serene setting just over an hour’s drive from the city’s urban sprawl. And the mountains indeed came alive with the sound of their music, according to Dr. Sherman.

“Attending the SCVYO’s summer camp was a great experience for our young musicians,” says Dr. Sherman. “This was a chance to experience several important and fun new ideas. When we get to attend several rehearsals in one day, the growth of the ensemble becomes almost exponential. We get to introduce a new idea and then reinforce it throughout the camp.”

Joining Dr. Sherman in leading the program were Julissa Bozman, conductor of the Prelude Strings, and Damian Berdakin, associate conductor of the SCV Youth Orchestra. They focused on proper techniques of practicing and what it takes to be a professional musician, and talked about their personal journeys as professional musicians.

The young musicians also took part in other activities, including rock climbing, swimming, and canoeing. Each cabin’s participants reconnected with nature with the help of high school or college-age leaders.

“This was also a great opportunity for these musicians to meet with other like-minded, talented young people. An orchestra that becomes very close plays better. It’s a great model for life in general.”

“For me, it’s wonderful to get a chance to really know these great kids better. Normally I see them once a week as Dr. Sherman, up on the podium leading rehearsal. During camp we get to know each other as humans and fellow musicians. Not to mention that I got to play capture the flag for the first time in 25 years!”

The SCVYO Orchestra members continued their musical journeys with two weeks of rehearsals in Santa Clarita at the College of the Canyons (COC). Participants fine-tuned their techniques for performances at two venues: the newly reopened Disney California Adventure and the large patio at Honors Grove on the COC campus.

SCVYO’s summer music program performance culminated in a performance held at the College of the Canyons Honors Grove on Saturday, July 21,at 7 p.m.

Auditions for the fall program will be held in late August. Visit www.scvyo.org for upcoming announcements and details.