(Bradenton, Fla., March 9, 2023) — The Music Program atState College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) became the first state college department to host the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Winter Music Symposium. The symposium, typically held at a state university, took place Jan. 26-28 at SCF Bradenton and featured students from 15 Florida College System schools, including 40 SCF students.

The symposium included vocal and instrumental concerts and a student artist competition. Two SCF performers won their divisions in competition. Kevin Love earned top honors in trumpet/brass, while Julien Rothe was the winner in vibraphone/jazz. In addition to the final concerts for SCF’s Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, choir, orchestra and piano, SCF Music also sponsored a “Music Experience Concert” which featured studio artists from the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Orchestra String Quartet, Dr. Joseph Holt, piano, and the Sunshine State Jazz professional jazz combo, as part of the weekend’s program.

SCF Theatre students participated in an on-campus masterclass in January with KT Curran, an award-winning actor, director, playwright and filmmaker. Curran also held a focus group with 15 students, staff and alumni to discuss her next film.

Performing arts events for middle and high school students also took place at SCF in January and February. The college welcomed SaraSolo and Booker High School’s visual and performing arts students for a two-night event titled “O Solo Me O” where participants performed original works. The Manasota Honor Choir rehearsed and performed February 3-4, with more than 200 students from Manatee and Sarasota counties participating. The District 11 Orchestra Music Performance Assessments for middle and high school students from a four-county region were held at SCF February 15-17.

To learn more about SCF’s Music Program, visit SCF.edu/Music or call 941-752-5579.

Julien Rothe performing as part of the student competition at the FCSAA Winter Symposium.

Manasota Honor Choir rehearsal.