— “Music is very much a part of our heritage, and Southern West Virginia is home to many serious young musicians.”

Six years ago, that statement served as the foundation for the beginning of the New River Youth Symphony and Chorus. Throughout the fall and spring seasons, NRYSC students study classical music and prepare concerts for the public.

CODA Mountain Academy of Music was founded in 2007 by Charles and Esther Morey as a summer music camp experience to promote artistic excellence in students from Appalachia and beyond.

Together NRYSC and CODA Mountain Academy of Music provide unique musical opportunities for students in West Virginia.

NRYSC has weekly rehearsals throughout the fall and spring seasons of the year. Under the direction of William Bailey, symphony director; Judith Arnold, chorus director; and Kathie Kiser, beginner chorus director, students develop their musicianship and work together to make beautiful music.

CODA offers, in a summer-camp setting, a pre-professional music program featuring a fusion of musical development, nature activities, and personal growth.

CODA Mountain Academy of Music 2012 opened this week with CODA Kidz taking place at Christ Fellowship Church in Fayetteville. This multi-track day camp serves beginner and new string players, 5-12 years of age.

“CODA Kidz is off to a grand start,” said Esther Morey, co-founder. “Over 30 children gathered at FCF Tuesday and had fun learning ukulele, guitar, and music history and theory.”

On Thursday, Aug. 9, CODA will kick off its 10-day camp, located at the Southern Appalachian Labor School Community Center in Beards Fork, with a choice of classical or bluegrass tracks. Students from West Virginia and three other states will gather to study with faculty who have graduated from Juilliard, Peabody, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Four exciting concerts will spin off from these two camps.

The final concert for CODA Kidz is set for Sunday, Aug. 12 at 3 p.m., at Fayetteville Christ Fellowship, and the main concert for CODA Academy will be Sunday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m., also at Fayetteville Christ Fellowship.

Two faculty recitals also are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. each evening at Fayetteville Christ Fellowship. These recitals will feature faculty from top conservatories, as well as Brandon Green from East Tennessee State University. The programs will include both classical and bluegrass music.

In the wake of CODA’s camp and concerts, New River Youth Symphony and Chorus also will be meeting to begin the fall season, with auditions taking place on Aug. 20 at Oak Hill High School. Information on how to join NRYSC is found on the website at newrivermusic.org.

In addition to providing an instrumental track, NRYSC includes a youth chorus for ages 10-24 and a beginner chorus for ages 5-10. NRYSC serves public, private, and home-schooled children, from kindergarten through college.

The NRYSC Student Ambassadors will be performing at the New River Festival on Saturday, Aug. 11,  and at local schools throughout the fall season to promote and encourage recruitment of students. The NRYSC Ambassadors are students who volunteer for community service. They have played for various schools in three counties, community organizations, and fundraisers.

“NRYSC is for the families of Southern West Virginia. We are starting our seventh year, and we would like to invite any young instrumentalists or vocalists to join us this fall,” invites Kathie Kiser, president. To reach Kiser for more information, contact her by e-mail at kathiebellkiser@gmail.com or by phone at 304-619-5971.

NRYSC students have been invited to join the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra on stage at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley on Sept. 3 for the Beckley Area Foundation’s annual Labor Day Concert.  This is the third year NRSYC students have joined the WVSO as they perform the “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The young musicians are placed in the midst of the symphony on stage and are able to absorb the power and strength of a professional orchestra.

“This is a great opportunity for our students, and we are very grateful that the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra has graciously invited us to participate,” said William Bailey, conductor of New River Youth Symphony.

For more information about joining NRYSC (newrivermusic.org), contact Kathie Kiser (304-619-5971 or kathiebellkiser@gmail.com) or Agnes Casto (304-574-3567 or castos5@frontier.com).

For information on CODA Mountain Academy and upcoming concerts, contact Esther Morey at codamountain.com or 304-663-6688.