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About
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The FCSSO is a summer program for orchestra students that meets once a week throughout July and August. The goal of the program is to further develop the skills of the musicians, meet new people and have fun!
Here at FCSSO we offer three levels of orchestras, so every musician can find the level of challenge that is right for them. Our program is designed to be a laid-back, fun experience. Come play over the summer and have a good time! We have a flexible attendance policy, we understand that summer is busy and families go away or have other commitments. Since the program runs on Wednesday evenings, students who attend day camps can still participate. Meet and perform with students from all over Fairfield County. FCSSO welcomes adults too! If you have some prior experience on a string instrument, consider signing yourself up as well. We often have entire families play together!
Orchestras
Beginner Orchestra
This orchestra is appropriate for any students finishing the 4th, 5th or 6th grade (1-3 years experience). The repertoire consists of level 1 pieces that will reinforce and strengthen concepts taught in a typical elementary school string curriculum in the Fairfield County area.
6th graders who have been studying privately and/or are more advanced may want to consider trying the Intermediate Orchestra.
Younger students who have 1-3 years of playing experience are also welcome! Younger students often benefit from having a parent sit with them at rehearsals, help them follow along in the music, and help them feel comfortable in their new environment.
Intermediate Orchestra
The Intermediate Orchestra is appropriate for students that have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade (3, 4, or 5 years experience). This orchestra will reinforce and strengthen skills learned in a typical middle school curriculum taught in the Fairfield County area. The orchestra will perform repertoire between level 2 and 3.
6th graders may want to consider asking their teacher whether the middle or elementary group is appropriate for them. For a 6th grader, this group is intended for players with three years of experience that are above the average level of performance standard for their age. They should preferably have been studying privately and already have a grasp of 7th and 8th grade concepts.
Advanced 8th graders who have been studying privately may want to consider the advanced orchestra.
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Advanced Orchestra
This orchestra is appropriate for high school students who have been playing for at least 5 years. The repertoire will be mostly original, un-arranged pieces at level 4 and 5.
Freshmen and sophomores may also want to consider the Intermediate Orchestra if they do not consider themselves to be advanced players.
Our Conductors
Jessica McNamara
Jessica McNamara (a.k.a. Mrs. Mac) began playing the violin at the age of six in a Suzuki program at her elementary school in Queens, New York. She continued on violin throughout high school, playing in regional festivals, summer camps, and youth orchestras. She went to Providence College on a full scholarship and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education. Jessica also holds a Masters Degree in Music Education from the Hartt School of Music.
Jessica taught middle school orchestra in the Westport public schools for 11 years and later went on to found the Ridgefield Suzuki School in Ridgefield, CT. In addition to being the director of the Ridgefield Suzuki School, Jessica is also the conductor for the Philharmonia String Orchestra, an intermediate tier of the Norwalk Youth Symphony.
Mrs. Mac conducts Advanced Orchestra with Mr. Mac at the Ridgefield location.
Michael McNamara
Since 2006, “Mr. Mac” has been an influential figure in Ridgefield's music education scene. Initially as an orchestra director for middle schools, he later took on the role of Instrumental Music Director at Ridgefield High School in 2012, overseeing significant growth in the program. He is currently the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair. His leadership led to numerous accolades, including the Symphonic Orchestra's selection for prestigious events such as the CMEA All State Festival.
Beyond teaching, Michael actively contributes to the arts community. He's held leadership positions in various organizations, including serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, and the Ridgefield Arts Council. He has earned dual Masters degrees in Music Education and Educational Leadership. He conducts the Advanced Orchestra at Ridgefield.
Shane Peters
Mr. Shane Peters Guitarist, educator and composer Shane Peters received his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Western Connecticut State University in 2005, his Music Education Certification in 2006, and his Master’s Degree from SUNY Purchase Conservatory in Jazz Studies in 2011.
Mr. Peters’ professional teaching career began in 2007 when he was hired as Bethel Middle School’s orchestra director. In 2009 he resigned in order to pursue his master’s degree. During that time he served as a part-time elementary orchestra director for Danbury Public Schools. After finishing his master’s in 2011, Shane was hired as an elementary orchestra director for Ridgefield Public Schools. In the fall of 2012, he became the orchestra director for both of Ridgefield’s middle schools, and has maintained and further elevate a tradition of musical excellence. Hisorchestras have received rave reviews within the community of Ridgefield and have earned the highest ratings at adjudication festivals.
Mr. Peters conducts the Elementary and Intermediate Orchestras at the Ridgefield location.
Meghan Stewart
Meghan Stewart is excited to be joining the FCCSO team! You may recognize her as she has been a first-call sub for FCSSO for a few years now.
Meghan has been a cellist for 25 years, and has been the middle and high school orchestra director for Weston Public Schools since 2011. She has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, concentration in String Pedagogy from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and a master’s degree in Education from Western Connecticut State University. She has been involved in many summer music camps, festivals, and ensembles over the years, and loves to engage kids in music that stretches their imagination, skills, and love of playing.
Ms. Stewart will be conducting the beginner and advanced orchestras at the Southport location.
Ally McGowan
You may recognize Ms. McGowan if you are a 6th grader or older from the north side of Ridgefield, as she would have been your elementary strings teacher! She has also been a first-call sub for our Ridgefield location for a long time.
Ally has a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. She has been teaching strings for 9 years in Connecticut.
Ally started her career in Ridgefield teaching elementary strings. She is currently the orchestra director at Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield teaching grades 6-8.
Ally is a violist and loves to continue to develop her skills to enhance her students’ musical experience in her classroom. She is an advocate of string education and is currently on the board of CT-ASTA. Most recently, she has received a 6th year degree from Vandercook College of Music to continue her growth as a musician and music educator.
Summer 2024
Program Dates
Summer 2024
All rehearsals occur on the following dates (all Wednesdays):
July 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14
*Combined Dress Rehearsal: MONDAY, August 14th
*Concert: TUESDAY, August 20th 7PM
*Both the Combined Dress Rehearsal and Concert take place in Ridgefield.
FCSSO Concert, 2019
Rehearsal Times
Southport
Beginner Orchestra 5:30-7:15pm
Intermediate Orchestra 5:30-7:15pm
Advanced Orchestra 7:30-9:30pm
Ridgefield
Beginner Orchestra 5:30-7:15pm
Intermediate Orchestra 7:30-9:30pm
Advanced Orchestra 7:30-9:30pm
Southport Location:
Trinity Episcopal Church
651 Pequot Avenue
Southport, CT 06890
Ridgefield Location:
Jesse Lee Church
207 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Have a question? Fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Or you can email us:
Info@fcsso.com
