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108 students from 16 area ISDs came together this June for a week of music at Austin College. This was the fourth annual Austin College Summer Music Camp, which is a joint endeavor between AC and the SSO. This five-day camp has been growing steadily since its launch in 2022, and the 2025 program had the highest enrollment yet. Middle and high school band, choir, and orchestra students are eligible to attend each year. There is no audition required, and each student participates in a chamber group, a large ensemble, and an elective class. The Sherman Symphony Orchestra’s own Maestro Dominick conducts the camp orchestra, sharing his 30+ years of experience with students in 6th-12th grade. SSO Education Director, Leslie Whelan, directs the camp each year. For more information, visit acsummermusic.com.

SHERMAN, Tx (KTEN) – The Sherman Symphony Orchestra hosted their annual ‘Christmas Pops Concert’ at Austin College on Sunday.

” It’s a different atmosphere each time, ” said Dale McQueen, an audience member.

Performing their renditions of Christmas classics, you know and love.

To playing songs from movies and bringing them to life on stage.

” Traditionally, orchestra music is not so interactive, but I think it’s a really good way to mix it up. Get the audience interactive with the orchestra. Have them guessing what songs we’re playing. Makes them feel like they’re a part of the show,” said Kendall Armijo, a violist in the orchestra.

To get everyone in the Christmas feels.

This keeps folks like McQueen coming back for three years in a row from Fannin County.

” They didn’t do this in the last five minutes. They’ve been working on this for months to make it enjoyable for everyone here. To watch the percussion instruments, the drums, the different cymbals, and watch them because they all do so many very different things,” said McQueen.

Hitting notes for audience members and the Sherman Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director.

” We’re not just an entertainment venue. We’re a non-profit organization. And our main mission is education. And every year, we directly impact more than 3,000 students in the Grayson County area,” said Executive Director Aaron Bucy.