Laura Hammes Black
Laura Hammes Black is Strings Coordinator of Camp Allegro Wichita and teaches string instruments, including beginning string instrument classes. She also coaches string ensembles. Laura originally intended to conduct a small music camp during the summer of 2009, but due to the overwhelming response of students and parents, it evolved into the inaugural year of the new Camp Allegro Wichita.Laura graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in violin performance, where she studied with Angel Reyes. She studied with Josef Gingold at Indiana University, where she graduated with a Master's degree in violin performance, and a minor in music history. Laura has attended summer music festivals with the Colorado Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. She has been on the faculty of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Blue Lake, Michigan. Laura has played in the first violin section of the Flint (Michigan) Symphony, the Evansville (Indiana) Philharmonic, and the Fort Wayne Symphony. She currently plays in the first violin section of the Wichita Symphony, and has a private studio of around fifty students. She is also a freelance performer. Laura was the Strings Director at the former Camp Allegro of Chamber Music at the Barn.
Laura is the 2010 recipient of the Daniel J. Sevart Award for Community Service, presented annually by the Wichita Symphony.
“To me, the most rewarding thing to see at Camp Allegro Wichita is how much fun the campers are having. I think it is so neat to see the change from the first day, when so many people do not know each other, to the last day, when everyone is making music and having fun together. I enjoy teaching in a relaxed atmosphere where the students are able to learn and have fun at the same time. We all share the love of music, no matter what the level is of the student.”
