Music is at the heart of 51 students enrolled at the Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta Orchestra and Dance Summer Academy, under the artistic direction of fifth generation musician, David E. Robinson III. And that’s why they have dedicated more than 64 hours over the past two weeks to perfect their love of playing string instruments by participating in the Sinfo-Nia Academy.Campers come with an eagerness to learn more about their instruments, and many find new inspiration and motivation while at camp.

On Thursday, June 24, the students with their string instruments in tow will travel to the Scenic City to perform a free concert. The concert will be held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Boulevard at 1 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. Officials encourage parents, grandparents, teachers, and camp directors to bring students ranging in the ages of 5 to 18 to the concert, as they will certainly be in for a special treat.

The Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta Orchestra is one of the finest non-competitive, comprehensive summer camp music programs in the United States. Students, ranging in ages of 5 to 18 with two weeks to twelve years experience, are given instruction on all levels and perform in ensembles based on their age, ability, and schedule. The two-week Academy gives students an opportunity to learn and/or improve their artistic skills and perform of variety orchestral music ranging from classical to traditional. Students have been given opportunities to perform across the United States as well as in South and West Africa.

“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, Operations Director of Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia. “After attending the National Association of Negro Musicians National Conference in Chattanooga and touring the Chattanooga African American and Bessie Smith Hall 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.”

While the youth orchestra concert is free and open to the entire community, reservations are encouraged. To make your reservations, please contact Marty Mitchell at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at (423) 266-8658 by email at info@bessiesmithcc.org.