Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra will host a free, two-day orchestra camp Aug. 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Maple Valley. Participants in the camp, which is open to students with two or more years of playing experience on any instrument, will be introduced to music that will be played next season by the youth symphony. Participants can take a sack lunch or buy lunch for $5. More information is available from Elisa Lewis, the orchestra’s executive director, at (425) 413-0537 or elisa_lewis@msn.com.

As it nears its first anniversary, the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra has a new conductor.

The group began in September 2007 under the direction of Margaret Young-Weitzel. She left recently, however, to accept a job at St. Xavier University in Chicago. Young-Weitzel earned a doctorate in conducting from the University of Washington in June.

April Whyte is the new conductor, officially taking over the duties in July. Whyte, a Pacific Lutheran University graduate, has a background in youth orchestra work, has performed with orchestras and is an orchestra teacher in the Bethel School District in Pierce County.

Members of the Maple Valley symphony, some of their parents and the group’s adult leadership met in early May to plan the direction of the orchestra, write a mission statement and set some goals. The selection of Whyte fit with those goals, according to executive director Elisa Lewis.

“The youth symphony is very much a student-led organization, and we are very proud of that,” said Lewis. “The adult leaders are really there to make the students’ ideas and dreams happen. It was important to us that we find a conductor that would be on board with this idea. I think April is an excellent choice.”

In its first year, the orchestra grew from eight members to 25 and played concerts and at community events, including the Independence Day celebration and fireworks show at Lake Wilderness last month.

Next is a free, two-day orchestra camp Aug. 20-21 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Maple Valley. It’s open to students with two or more years of playing experience on any instrument. “Our hope is to introduce as many students as possible to a great orchestra experience,” Whyte said.

The orchestra will begin rehearsing Sept. 8 for the upcoming season. Two groups are being planned: A philharmonia for students who have less playing experience and want to get started with an orchestra, and a symphony for more seasoned players. Both groups will play together on some pieces.

Rehearsals will be on Monday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley.

Planned performances for the coming season include a charity auction, a holiday concert with the School of Rock, a combined community choir and orchestra performance, and next year’s Fourth of July.