MARYLAND CLASSIC YOUTH ORCHESTRAS Summer Programs

Kristofer Sanz has matured as a vibrant and talented conductor whose energy and fervor for music have allowed him to achieve a passionate, mature, and musical sound with any ensemble he has conducted. Mr. Sanz recently has been praised for his modern and adventurous interpretations, as well as his contemporary and interactive concert presentations. He is the Artistic Director and Philharmonic conductor for the MCYO program that rehearses and performs at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD. Under Mr. Sanz’s baton the Philharmonic is quickly becoming known for their highly musical, moving, and nuanced interpretations of a wide range of works from all genres—including orchestral works, dance, and opera. Mr. Sanz continues to push the boundaries of classical orchestral performances while keeping process, passion and musicality at the heart of his work.

ANDREA CAMERON has taught in Montgomery County Public Schools since 1989, and currently serves as the Band and Orchestra Director at Robert Frost Middle School. During her time at Frost, Mrs. Cameron has established Frost as one of Maryland's premier music programs. Under her leadership, the Instrumental Music Department has become one of the most represented in the district and state honors ensembles. 
 
Mrs. Cameron hosts student interns, directed countywide honors groups, serves on regional adjudication panels, and has written curriculum. Mrs. Cameron currently serves as the Middle School Representative of the Maryland Band Directors Association (MBDA) and is on the Maryland Orchestra Directors Association’s (MODA) music review panel for inclusion on Maryland’s list. In 2022, Mrs. Cameron was the Equipment Manager for the National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) National Conference and All-National Honors 
Ensembles. She continues to serve as the Middle School Representative for the Maryland Band Directors Association (MBDA) and is called upon as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the state.

The Frost Orchestra presented an Alfred Music sponsored New Music Reading Session at the 2023 MMEA Fall Inservice Meeting, and her Band presented a performance titled "Highlighting the Music of Maryland Composers" at the 2024 MMEA Annual Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center. She and her students enjoyed working with Brian Balmages, Adrian B. Sims, Brian Drake, Mike Kamuf, and Dr. Mark Lortz throughout the preparation process. The Robert Frost Middle School Orchestra performed at the NAfME Eastern Division Conference in Hartford, CT in April, 2025 and at The Midwest Clinic in December, 2025. MMEA recognized Mrs. Cameron’s exemplary teaching in 2020 by presenting her with the Outstanding Music Educator Award.

Mrs. Cameron also enjoys directing the MCYO Summer Winds and Percussion (SWap) Summer Camp.

Dietrich Paredes, a distinguished conductor from Venezuela, has made significant contributions to the world of classical music through his dynamic leadership and innovative approach to orchestral performance. As a product of Venezuela's renowned "El Sistema" program, Paredes has built an impressive international career, conducting various esteemed orchestras across the globe.

Paredes began his notable tenure as the Music Director of the Caracas Youth Orchestra (CYO) in 2008. Under his direction, the CYO toured extensively throughout South America, Asia, and Europe, performing at prestigious venues and festivals such as the Salzburg Festival, the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, the Dvorak Festival in Prague, the Beethovenfest in Bonn, and the Ravello Festival in Italy. Their performances were also highly acclaimed in cities like Zurich, Hamburg, Paris, Budapest, Vienna, Gothenburg, Zagreb, Barcelona, Castellón de la Plana, Zaragoza, Beijing, Hiroshima, Tokyo, and Seoul.

His international career includes conducting engagements with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (2012-2013), Orchestra della Toscana at the Cortona Festival (2014), which led to a re-invitation for their 2015-2016 subscription series in Florence.

Seth Castleton is a winner of the Brigham Young University Concerto Competition and has soloed with the BYU Philharmonic. He has also been a finalist in the University of Maryland Concerto Competition. He performs regularly with groups in the Washington, DC area, such as the Apollo Chamber Orchestra and Alexandria Symphony. Mr. Castleton’s cello playing has taken him to several summer music festivals, including the National Orchestral Institute, Chautauqua, and Kent/Blossom Music. He teaches cello both in his private studio and at the Levine School of Music. Mr. Castleton has recently enjoyed collaborating with MCYO as a cello section coach. Mr. Castleton is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds a M.M. in Cello Performance from the University of Maryland, and a B.M. in Cello Performance from BYU. He has studied cello with Evelyn Elsing, David Teie, Kenneth Slowik, Peter Wiley, Julie Bevan, and Stephen Geber. Apart from his love for music and the arts, Mr. Castleton enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, two-year-old son James, and newborn daughter Laura.

SSW Jr + Sr:
Eleanor Shen, violin
Katherine Smolen, violin
Evelyn Song, violin
Carrie Castleton, viola
Talya Schenk, viola
Vasily Popov, cello
(And intern coaches!)

ASSI: 
Elizabeth Leung, violin/viola