Spring into summer with the Federal Way Symphony’s classy and sassy 2012 Youth Summer Music Camp at Federal Way High School.

This year, the Symphony is expanding the program from a one-week camp to a two-week camp for aspiring vocalists and instrumentalists. The camp features a sweeping variety of musical instruction for grades 5-12 with one year of musical experience.

Both camps run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9-14 and July 16-21. The camps are taught by a riveting ensemble of professional instructors who will show students how they can live up to their potential. The camp encourages students to dream dreams that can change their lives.

Young vocalists, church choir and school band members will be able to pursue their passion for music with talented professionals. Students have an opportunity to explore popular songs, dancing, stage craft, and techniques and strategies for improvisation as related to jazz and swing styles.

Check out the tsunami waves of the instructor’s resumes. Along with Symphony Conductor Maestro A. Davenport, four other top-notch instructors are crafting the Symphony Youth Summer Camp.

Davenport has a master’s degree in music from Harvard and has conducted orchestras throughout the world including China, Scandinavia, Russia, Germany and the Ukraine.

Vocal instructors include Pamela Casella, a graduate of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and the director of Lyric Opera Northwest. She is an established voice teacher in New York City, Germany and Seattle.

Craig Nim’s career has included singing leading roles on Broadway, and as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Opera.

Instrumental instructor Todd Zimberg, with a master’s degree in percussion, is the current director of the Instrumental Music Program at the Seattle Academy of the Arts and Science and also teaches music at Highline Community College.

Lonnie Mardis is a popular staple in the Seattle touring music scene performer and has a master’s degree in music performance from the New England Conservatory.

Amy Papa, an attendee of the 2008 Federal Way Summer Camp, said that “the Symphony Summer Camp was a great foundation for kids to expand and explore their talents.” She liked the one-on-one time with the instructors. She also developed friendships with kids from other schools. The friendships continued to exist after her summer camp participation.

The Federal Way Symphony remains an arts organization firmly rooted in the community with a rich past and positioned for future growth, as demonstrated with their 2012 Summer Youth Camp. For more information regarding tuition fees and scholarships, contact (253) 529-9857 or visit federalwaysymphony.org.