HAMPTON ROADS, VA [June 20, 2023] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has selected its second class of fellows for the African American Fellowship Program in partnership with Old Dominion University. The Fellows will join the VSO this fall, performing across the region as well as teaching and mentoring in a local public school. The Fellows will also participate in Young People’s Concerts, outdoor community concerts, small ensemble educational concerts for elementary school students, and a variety of media appearances to help equip them to succeed in their careers as performers and educators. The fellowship is a continuation of the VSO’s effort to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide.
“The fellows have become intrinsic members of our community and have made all of us far better through our shared world,” said Emily Ondracek-Peterson, executive director of ODU’s Diehn School of Music. “They have been inspirational for our students as they see them go from rehearsals on campus to performances with the VSO to teaching and performing at schools throughout the Hampton Roads community.”
The program’s inaugural season is funded by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the Goode Family, and an Old Dominion University grant through the state of Virginia.
“We are so excited, inspired, and honored to welcome our second class of Fellows this season,” exclaimed Eric Jacobsen, music director of the VSO. “We had such a great experience and we learned so much together in the first year of the Fellows program with Avery, Emmanuel, Omari, and Zacherie. We’re really looking forward to continuing the momentum. This group of four comes to us with so much talent and energy, and we are so grateful to welcome them into the VSO family!”
Camille Jones is a violinist from Maryland and she’s a passionate collaborator and advocate for diversity in the arts. Camille is establishing herself as a freelance artist in the Michigan area as well, having performed for singer Michael Bublé, rapper Big Sean and Darren Criss. She has also served as a teaching artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensembles as well as the Sphinx Overture program in Detroit.
Tyler McKisson is an orchestral and freelance violist originally from Arvada, Colorado. He has played with several American orchestras including the Cheyenne Symphony with tenure, Atlanta Symphony, Kentucky Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Aspen Conducting Academy.
Avery Robinson grew up in Western Massachusetts and plays the bass. Avery has studied at many top music schools. Most recently he has received a graduate certificate from Old Dominion University as part of his tenure as an African American Fellow with the VSO during the 2022-23 season and has been invited back to participate for another year.
Daphine Henderson is a double bassist and vocalist in the DC metro area. She was the first black woman to earn a Master’s Degree in Double Bass Performance at the University of Maryland and the third black woman to receive a graduate degree in strings. Daphine is taking steps in her musical career to create an impact and be an inspiration for younger musicians of color that would otherwise not have ample resources and opportunities to pursue their passion.
In addition to their performing and teaching, while in Virginia the Fellows will have several professional development opportunities, including private instrument instruction, mock auditions, and mentorship with VSO musicians. Applications for the 2024-25 program will be open this fall. More information can be found at www.virginiasymphony.org/fellowship.
(To view their bios and headshots click the link below)
https://bit.ly/2324fellows
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational, and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and its commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, it’s programming, and its leadership.
The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
