Lake Elsinore-

By Jennifer Jones

Eleven-year old Antonio Pontarelli of Temecula has a lot on his plate these days between juggling school and a promising musical career. Antonio has been playing the violin since the age of four and his talents have gained him widespread recognition locally and nationally. Although the life of this budding young musician can seem quite different than that of his soccer-playing peers, Antonio recently participated in a summer of orchestra camp in Los Angeles where he was surrounded by other talented young musicians from the US and Europe who, like Antonio, dedicate hours every day to practicing. The Los Angeles-based Young Musician’s Foundation hosts an annual summer orchestra camp led by acclaimed conductor and composer Lucas Richman to give talented young musicians the opportunity to practice and perform with other talented youth. The camp, sponsored by the Annenberg Foundation, went from July 14-24th at Pepperdine University in Malibu, and culminated with a concert put on by the 65 participants. The campers, ranging form 10-15 years old, were chosen to participate in the intensive orchestral training program because of their extraordinary musical talents and accomplishments. “I love coming to the Young Musician’s Foundation camp, because it’s great to practice with other kids,” said Antonio, who has attended YMF’s summer orchestra camp for the past two summers. “Throughout the audition process, Antonio consistently demonstrated his extraordinary musical talents and we know he would not only make a great contribution to our summer orchestra camp, but also garner invaluable experience,” said Edye Rugolo, executive director of YMF . Along with orchestra rehearsals, sectionals and classes, students enjoy traditional ‘camp’ activities including sport, scavenger hunts, talent shows, movie nights, and field trips to amusement parks. “One thing that I really love about YMF’s camp is that we do so much more then just practice all day long. They set up a lot of fun activities for us, such as going to Magic Mountain,” said Antonio. Edye Rugolo and Mike Duckworth, directors of the camp, have recognized the need for young children to include free time into their busy schedules, and campers like Antonio appreciate that. It is refreshing to see that although a child like Antonio, who is considered to be an over-achiever at his young age, still appreciates and wants time for just simply having fun. Congratulations to Antonio for all of his outstanding achievements and participation in the exclusive YMF summer camp.