CAMP SPOTLIGHT: Sarasota Orchestra

The Sarasota Observer checked in with the Sarasota Orchestra’s summer camp on its final and most exciting day — recital day. After 15 days of learning and practicing, the Foundation Strings group was first up on stage, while all the other groups filled the practice rooms and halls with beautiful sounds and laughter. Groups performing Friday, July 16, included Foundation Strings, Prelude Strings, Chamber Strings, Chamber Ensemble and Concert Orchestra.

Bo Lumpkin, 10
“My mom told me to go to camp, and I picked up the violin and liked it. I love playing ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’”

Camila Urbina, 8
“I play the violin because my mom said it would be good for me because it has a neat sound. Third period is my favorite time here, because we get to play all the songs. My favorite song to play is ‘Open String Samba’ because it’s easy and has a neat sound.”

Joshua Guaita, 10
“I play the cello. I was playing piano, but then I was coming to camp here and they don’t have piano, so I took up cello. My sister and brother play instruments, too, and we perform together at our church. It’s a lot of fun, and I like to play fast songs.”

Katie Daniel, 8
“My sister played the violin and said it’s really fun, so that’s what I play. I’ve been playing for a couple years and it’s one of the funnest things I’ve ever done. My favorite song to play is ‘Can Can’ because it’s fast.”

Alex Sosa, 12
“I chose to play the viola, because when I went on a field trip to the hear an orchestra at the Van Wezel, the sounds inspired me to play the violin, but it was too small for me. I like the wide variety of music you can play on the viola. My favorite song to play is ‘Irish Washerwoman’ because it’s an Irish jig and I’m part Irish.”

Ava Doraisamy, 13
“I started playing the violin but then I heard the deep, rich sound of the viola and have been playing that ever since. I like music and the different ways it can make you feel, and I love playing in big groups. My favorite song to play is ‘Incantations’ because it’s very powerful and grabs your attention.”

Riley Knutson, 11
“I play the violin because my sister has played it for a long time, so she taught me how to play. And, I like it because it’s easy to carry and not as heavy as some of the other instruments. My favorite song to play is ‘Gaelic Castle.’”

Contact Stephanie Hannum at [email protected].