Liberty High School Camerata Orchestra

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Camerata Orchestra is the varsity orchestra at Liberty High School. Widely recognized as one of the finest ensembles in the state, this group has received Sweepstakes at every UIL Evaluation and has three times been the runner-up in the TMEA Honor Orchestra process. The group also participates in full orchestra, arguably the students' favorite time of year. Their programs are always of the professional level with close attention to detail and high levels of musicianship. The ensemble is especially known for their ability to connect on an emotional level with their audience, and with each other. The orchestra program at Liberty includes six orchestras, serving over 200 students. One of the programs they are most proud of is the Frisco Independent School District's Harp Program. There are 150 harp students in the school district (across middle and high schools), with seven full-time harp instructors. Liberty has nine student harpists enrolled in the orchestra classes. Orchestra students participate in All-Region and All-State auditions, Solo/Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and UIL. In addition to their rigorous academic classes and schedules, they are also involved in many other school activities, including Varsity Football, Swim, Golf, Tennis, Marching Band/Color Guard, Choir, and Theatre. Several hold prominent leadership roles in state organizations HOSA and DECA.

Liberty High School Camerata Orchestra

Conductor's Bio

A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Music Education, Julie Blackstock is currently in her 29th year of teaching and her thirteenth year as the Director of Orchestras at Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas. Prior to teaching at Liberty, Ms. Blackstock taught in the Carrollton/Farmers Branch Independent School District for sixteen years, twelve of those at Creekview High School. Under her direction, the orchestras in both districts consistently received top awards and honors, including regularly being finalists of the TMEA Honor String and Full Orchestra competitions. In 2015, the Liberty Symphony Orchestra was invited to and performed at The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Ms. Blackstock has also been a frequent adjudicator and clinician throughout Texas, Arkansas, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Georgia. She also served as an instructor/conductor at the Baylor University Summer Music Camp for 20 years, and she has led sessions at the Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA) and the Colorado chapter of American String Teachers Association (CASTA). Currently, she is serving as the Philharmonic Orchestra conductor of the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra (DAAYO). As Vice-President of TMEA Region 24, she is also a member of Mu Omicron and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Ms. Blackstock is passionate about sharing intimate musical moments and modeling vulnerability through music. One of her core beliefs and philosophies is to create a safe environment in the musical classroom where all students find a place to belong, connect, and express themselves. Cultivating relationships this way is one of her greatest strengths. She is known for her ability to connect with students and colleagues both on and off the podium. In her free time, Ms. Blackstock enjoys spending her time reading, watching birds, and traveling on road trips whenever she can, alongside her cat Little Susie.