In Tuesday’s (1/12) Fairfax County Times (Virginia), Holly Hobbs writes, “Between stanzas, 18-year-old conductor Matthew Martz offers his ensemble of about 35 musicians some feedback on their recent practice performance.” Martz, a recent high school graduate, founded, conducts, and is president of the Student Symphonic Orchestra of Fairfax. “The group—a registered nonprofit organization—includes about 35 students from seven area high schools and a few colleges. Martz created the orchestra to provide additional opportunities for student instrumentalists to perform in groups. Having recently celebrated its first anniversary, the group is practicing for its second concert Saturday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLean. The concert, which begins at 7 p.m., is free to the public, but orchestra members hope to raise money to buy musical scores—some of which cost up to $400. For Martz, the business side of the nonprofit isn’t the fun part, but it’s what keeps the music playing. … The orchestra had nine months to prepare for its first concert. This time they’re doing it in less than five.”
Posted January 14, 2010
