Annie Moses Band brings fine arts academy to campus for seventh summer
Stephanie Schiraldi |
For the seventh year, Lipscomb University is partnering with the Annie Moses Band to host its Fine Arts Summer Academy for passionate young artists to refine their skills in a two-week intensive training program.
The academy is separated into two divisions: the upper division for students ages 12-21 and the lower division for ages 4-11. Students choose from several tracks of study including musical theater arts, strings, brass, woodwinds, guitar, piano, percussion and stage tech.
“Our mission is to give young artists the experience of excellence through outstanding original performances at world class venues,” said Ben Wolaver, spokesman for and member of the Annie Moses Band.
During the academy, students perform at venues such as Bluegrass Underground, the Cannery Ballroom and the Bluebird Café, leading up to a final gala performance at the Grand Ole Opry House featuring the choir, orchestra and exceptional solo performers.
Wolaver says the academy is a one-of-a-kind event.
“We tailor, write and arrange shows specifically for the students who come,” said Wolaver. “This is not a one-size-fits-all camp. It’s an intensive arts festival that gives young people real world experience on major stages with exceptional faculty.”
The Fine Arts Summer Academy draws students from a wide range of backgrounds. Over 150 beginners and advanced players from all over the country and even Asia come together on Lipscomb’s campus for this immersive experience.
Libby Croswell is attending the academy from LaGrange, Georgia, as a cellist.
“I want to learn more about the cello,” said Croswell. “[The academy] is going to teach me more things, especially about playing with groups and I’m getting more performance opportunities around Nashville.”
?Croswell said her favorite part has been the practices for the filming of the Annie Moses Band’s newest PBS special, “The Art of the Love Song.” Students will perform in the orchestra during the final Gala performance at the Grand Ole Opry House in an original show titled “Songs of Innocence and Experience.”
The academy was founded and is directed by the Julliard trained Annie Moses Band, a classical-crossover ensemble of award winning singers, songwriters and instrumentalists. Award-winning songwriters Robin and Bill Wolaver serve as artistic and musical directors alongside Maestro Jung-Ho Pak and 80 other faculty members and mentors.