Unity String Institute
The Unity String Institute focuses on providing intermediate and advanced string players ages 14-18 opportunities to learn and grow with the help of our experienced instructors. Our goal is to provide quality music education over the summer months, all while designing a creative environment for like-minded students to learn together.
Our program is open to students who perform on either violin, viola, cello, and bass, and will focus on orchestral repertoire, instrument specific masterclasses, seminars from professional musicians, and opportunities for chamber music performance. Additionally, students will develop skills that are important for the development of future professionals, such as leadership, planning and punctuality.
The program will run from June 28th to July 28th, with our first week dedicated for orientation and auditions. In order to observe the 4th of July, all rehearsals and classes will begin on July 6th and continue each Tuesday and Thursday thereafter until our final concert on July 28th. See the list below for the times and locations of activities.
Dates and Times:
June 28 : Iglesia Adventista : Orientation / Auditions
June 30 : Iglesia Adventista : Orientation / Auditions
July 6 : Iglesia Adventista : Classes begin 6pm - 8pm
July 11 : Iglesia Adventista : Class 6pm - 8pm
July 13 : Iglesia Adventista : Class 6pm - 8pm
July 18 : Iglesia Adventista :Class 6pm - 8pm
July 20 : Iglesia Adventista : Class 6pm - 8pm
July 25 : Iglesia Adventista : Class 6pm - 8pm
July 27 : Iglesia Adventista : Class 6pm - 8pm
July 28 : TBA : Concert 7pm - 9pm
Locations:
Deltona Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church
(Iglesia Adventista del Séptino Día Hispana de Deltona)
1180 Doyle Rd, Deltona, FL 32725
(386) 533-6036
or if you have any questions contact us at: info@unityperformingarts.org
Meet the Director
Victor Luis Rivera, M.A.T: Mus Ed.
Artistic Director | Conducting | Violin
Victor Luis Rivera was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in 1977. In 1989, at the age of 12, Victor began to study violin under the tutelage of Deborah Dansby Wells as a member of the Deltona Middle School String Fever Program. While continuing his studies with Mrs. Dansby until graduating Deltona High School in 1995, he participated as Concertmaster in the Volusia County’s “All-County” orchestra and won the Florida Future Music Educators Soloist Competition. In 1992, Victor became Concertmaster of “Ars de Chiesa Orchestra” and Concertmaster of the Stetson Youth Chamber Orchestra under the guidance of Routa Kroumovitch at Stetson University. He also began to study violin privately with Dr. Alvaro Gomez and received a scholarship to study at Stetson University School of Music.
Victor Luis Rivera is a War Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army. After joining in 1996, he received multiple awards and commendations for his actions in and out of combat. In 2003, as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, he was a part of the liberation force which invaded Iraq. Mr. Rivera later retired from military service due to injuries received in combat. Upon receiving his honorable discharge Victor resumed his studies under Dr. Gomez, and continued his education earning an Associates of Arts from Daytona State College, a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Rollins College with a focus in Violin Performance and Conducting, as well as a Masters of Arts in Teaching: Music Education. While attending Rollins, he was the Student Conductor for the Rollins Orchestra, String Ensemble, and Concert Choir Under the tutelage of Dr. John V. Sinclair.
Victor has performed with many organizations in the Central Florida area, such as the Bach Festival Orchestra, Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Maitland Symphony Orchestra, Baroque Chamber Orchestra, Daytona Beach Community Orchestra, and is the Concert Master of Sabbath Strings.
Victor is also a 5th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Karate and enjoys teaching and studying martial arts and self-defense at Wes Crile in Deltona under 7th Degree Black Belt Michael Abrams.