Venice, Florida, June 15, 2014 — The Venice Community Orchestra, under the musical direction of Professor Todd Craven, concluded its 2013-2014 season with a master class conducted by internationally renowned violinist Andrea Segar.

In residence at the State College of Florida Venice Campus, the VCO enjoyed a three-semester season of performance instruction, coaching and ensemble training by Professor Craven, formerly principal trumpet of the Sarasota Orchestra. The class benefitted greatly from his depth of orchestral and chamber music experience, as both a musician and conductor. “He is a gifted teacher who gave us the freedom and knowledge to understand what we needed to do in a most enjoyable way,” said VCO cellist and founder John Mabardi, who also expressed his thanks to SCF for making such a “rich experience available to amateur players in the Venice area.”

Professor Craven will be departing this summer to pursue advanced study in conducting at the University of Michigan.

Laurie Vodnoy-Wright, accomplished and renowned professional violinist and teacher, will lead and coach the orchestra for the 2014-2015 season at the Venice Campus of SCF. Maestra Vodnoy-Wright, a member of the SCF Music Faculty, has performed with the Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, and Venice Symphony, among many other ensembles. She is actively engaged in music education and enjoys coaching players of all ages and playing levels who enjoy making music together. Her two-hour performance classes will take place on Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am beginning on Sept 13, 2014. They are open without audition to string players of all levels who can read music. Registration is required through the SCF Corporate and Community Development Dept. Tuition is $75 for the fall 13-week semester.

To register or to get more information, visit www.VeniceCommunityOrchestra.com or call Roresu Chandler, Director of Continuing & Community Education, at 941-752-5290, or visit scf.augusoft.net/CCD.

Press contact: John Mabardi at VCOinformation@comcast.net.

Todd Craven and the Venice Community Orchestra

# # #