In 2025-2026, Camerata San Antonio visited five schools to perform for and interact with high school orchestra students – a population of students that we think are likely to become patrons in the future and ready for the complex emotional world to which chamber music opens a window.
At each school, we performed most to all of an upcoming or recent program, always saving time at the end for questions and interactions. The engagement of the students is obvious when they start asking questions – while some are the same from school to school (advice about practicing, stage fright), there are always some fantastically unique and surprising questions. It’s our favorite part of each visit!
These visits were made possible by a generous grant from the San Antonio Symphony League.
This past spring, Camerata San Antonio conducted its annual free masterclasses for students in San Antonio. This class was made possible by support from the San Antonio Symphony League and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit. We started the class with a very informative presentation from Dr. Hollie Dzierzanowski regarding recent studies regarding young musicians and injury/identity. Students from Brandeis High School and Roosevelt High School performed movements from Beethoven’s Op. 18 No 1 and No. 4. Our entire quartet participated in coaching the groups, as well as our guest presenter. Each quartet went on to receive I ratings at Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition at the end of May.
25-26 Program book Sept-Nov
2025 Master classes
This past spring, Camerata San Antonio conducted two free masterclasses for students in Boerne and San Antonio. In Boerne, violinist Matthew Zerweck and cellist Ken Freudigman worked with students from the Hill Country Youth Orchestra to help them prepare for performances at Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition later that month. This class was free, open to the public and made possible by Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Hamilton. Pat Lee of HCYO coordinated. Thank you!
Our San Antonio class was sponsored by Terra Nova Violins. Students from Alamo Heights High School, Brandeis High School, and the University of Texas at San Antonio performed movements from Britten’s Simple Symphony, Fuchs Duos, Dohnanyi’s Serenade. Our entire quartet participated in coaching the groups, including Matthew and Ken, as well as Laura Scalzo and Emily Freudigman.
