The 51 students enrolled at the Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta Orchestra and Dance Summer Academy will bring their instruments to Chattanooga Thursday to present a free concert at 1 p.m. in the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L.King Blvd.
The ensemble is directed by David E. Robinson III.
Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta Orchestra is considered one of the finest noncompetitive, comprehensive summer camp music programs in the United States.
Students aged 5-18, with two weeks to 12 years of experience, are given instruction and perform in ensembles based on their age, ability and schedule.
“We are extremely excited that the Bessie Smith Cultural Center gave our students an opportunity to perform in the legendary Bessie Smith Hall,” said Alycia Robinson, Still Waters operations director.
“After attending the National Association of Negro Musicians’ national conference in Chattanooga and touring the Chattanooga African American Museum two years ago, we were determined to return to Chattanooga so that our students could perform in the magnificent performance hall. It is our hope that more Chattanooga youth will become interested in playing a string instrument or joining their school’s music program as a result of attending this performance,” she said.
While the youth orchestra concert is free and open to the public, reservations are encouraged. Call 266-8658 or e-mail info@bessiesmithcc.org.