The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Starkey Ranch event features ‘a little night music’

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The outdoor basketball courts on the edge of the physical education field at Starkey Ranch K-8 provided a place for the audience to watch the performance. (Fred Bellet)

The Starkey Ranch K-8 School teamed up with Michael Francis, music director for The Florida Orchestra, to present the Starkey Symphony Spectacular.

The outdoor concert featured performances by Starkey K-8 musicians, community members, and members of The Florida Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Francis.

The event was held outdoors on the physical education fields at Starkey Ranch K-8, in Odessa.

Attendees were encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and purchase food from the food trucks there.

The event was free, but the school received a portion of the food truck proceeds and donations, to support the school’s music programs.

Conductor Mariah Walukonis led the orchestra with Maestro Michael Francis during the Starkey Symphony Spectacular.
Violinist Jeffrey Mutter, of The Florida Orchestra, performs a piece for the audience.
Scott Carlson’s phone captures the performance by the Starkey Ranch K-8 Chorus. Carlson, of Odessa, is the school’s physical education teacher; his wife, Megan Carlson, teaches kindergarten. The video of the day was of their son, 11-year-old Lucas Carlson, who sang in the chorus.
From left: 5-year-old Guga Alvarenga, 6-year-old Duda Alvarenga, 9-year-old Brianna Semsedin, 6-year-old Liam Semsedin and 9-year-old Lilly Labruzzo watch the concert from the VIP section.

 

 

Michael Francis leads an orchestra comprised of sixth- and seventh-grade students from Starkey Ranch K-8; high school students from Mitchell, Gulf and River Ridge; community members; and musicians from The Florida Orchestra. That brought the total size of the group to 75.
Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, offers remarks about the musically talented students at Starkey Ranch K-8.

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