It seemed like just yesterday we were spending our summer days at camp, in the pool with friends, or on vacation. Now, the leaves are already changing and we're back in school. We'll if you are already missing summer as much as we are, here's a final thought on how much fun summer camps are from Katherine Jacobsen, who had a great time at the Interlochen Camp this summer:
This summer I was lucky enough to spend three weeks at an arts camp called Interlochen. Interlochen is situated in northern Michigan right by a scenic lake. I auditioned for flute and was accepted in the wind symphony. The usual day at Interlochen was spent attending classes according to your major. My classes consisted of symphony rehearsal, music theory class, private lessons, practice time and one elective. The weekends (which was Sunday and Monday) were spent doing pretty much whatever you wanted. You could attend performances, do any water activities, walk around the campus etc.
One of my favorite parts about Interlochen was the performances I got to attend. Almost every night there were performances offered. I saw jazz concerts, musicals, art galleries and much more. Over all I had an amazing experience at Interlochen. I met people from all over the world, I improved in flute drastically and most importantly I had a lot of fun.
For more info. on Interlochen check out http://camp.interlochen.org/
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Week 3 day 2
Day 2 of Week 3 seemed to come straight out of Death Valley (at least for the majority of us who are used to nice cool Washington summers)! The heat made us all lethargic, but we interns tried to keep things cool with a fan in each classroom. We played a rousing card game indoors while waiting for camp to start, and then headed off to sectionals.
Due to our plethora of cellist campers and interns, I’ve been filling in the percussion section this week. I’m extremely excited to learn some basic percussion skills (including just how much patience it takes!), so our sole drumming camper and I got to have special instruction from the camp director himself, Mr. Wilbert. Our hard work paid off and we had a blast when the first full orchestra rehearsal of the day came around! The group is already sounding fantastic, and I can’t wait to hear the end result.
During one free hour, I got to go visit all the small ensembles and take a few pictures. It looks like all the classes are coming along fantastically, from the cheery, melodic sounds of the marimbas to the familiar refrains of Mozart. It was also fun to see the campers dressed up in the day’s theme- summery Hawaiian leis and garishly bright neon clothing!
By the end of the day, we were all about to collapse from the heat. Despite our exhaustion, we had a great, productive final rehearsal, and wrapped things up with a preview from assistant director Jenny of tomorrow’s theme- wacky Wednesday! I’m looking forward to seeing all the crazy costumes, and now I’m off to go find one of my own! Happy practicing, campers!
~ Erin Brown
Due to our plethora of cellist campers and interns, I’ve been filling in the percussion section this week. I’m extremely excited to learn some basic percussion skills (including just how much patience it takes!), so our sole drumming camper and I got to have special instruction from the camp director himself, Mr. Wilbert. Our hard work paid off and we had a blast when the first full orchestra rehearsal of the day came around! The group is already sounding fantastic, and I can’t wait to hear the end result.
During one free hour, I got to go visit all the small ensembles and take a few pictures. It looks like all the classes are coming along fantastically, from the cheery, melodic sounds of the marimbas to the familiar refrains of Mozart. It was also fun to see the campers dressed up in the day’s theme- summery Hawaiian leis and garishly bright neon clothing!
By the end of the day, we were all about to collapse from the heat. Despite our exhaustion, we had a great, productive final rehearsal, and wrapped things up with a preview from assistant director Jenny of tomorrow’s theme- wacky Wednesday! I’m looking forward to seeing all the crazy costumes, and now I’m off to go find one of my own! Happy practicing, campers!
~ Erin Brown
Week 3 day 3
Hello! My name is Brita Moore, and I am a cello intern. Wednesday at BYSO Summer Camp was extremely hot, just as the first two days were, but everyone still managed to have a great time. Our theme today was Wacky Wednesday, which meant we had to wear clothes and accessories that were pretty much insane. I didn't exactly go all out personally, but some students really took advantage of the opportunity to wear silly things.
So far, no one has suffered terribly because of the heat. The staff members are doing their best to keep everyone happy and motivated. We have encouraged the students to drink plenty of fluids (especially water!) and take it easy if they get tired. We also brought Otter Pops for snack time today - always a good treat in the heat. :) During lunch time, a group of us played the game In a Pickle, which we discovered yesterday morning and love to play. Tomorrow we are having a waterfight! This will be a welcome relief from the heat and stress.
Musically, we are quite impressed with the students' abilities. I was assigned to the viola sectionals (there were too many cello interns for one section), and they sound great. It is probably the strongest section in the orchestra in terms of sound. The orchestra as a whole is doing extremely well. Hopefully the sound will continue to improve, and on Friday these students' parents' jaws will drop.
That's all for now! Stay cool, and practice hard.
- Brita
So far, no one has suffered terribly because of the heat. The staff members are doing their best to keep everyone happy and motivated. We have encouraged the students to drink plenty of fluids (especially water!) and take it easy if they get tired. We also brought Otter Pops for snack time today - always a good treat in the heat. :) During lunch time, a group of us played the game In a Pickle, which we discovered yesterday morning and love to play. Tomorrow we are having a waterfight! This will be a welcome relief from the heat and stress.
Musically, we are quite impressed with the students' abilities. I was assigned to the viola sectionals (there were too many cello interns for one section), and they sound great. It is probably the strongest section in the orchestra in terms of sound. The orchestra as a whole is doing extremely well. Hopefully the sound will continue to improve, and on Friday these students' parents' jaws will drop.
That's all for now! Stay cool, and practice hard.
- Brita
Week 2- The last day!
Week 2 day 5
What a hot way to end a fine week of camp. Even though it was hot out, the campers seemed even more energetic than ever. Rehearsal in the morning was tense; everyone was trying to play their best in preparation for the concert. Dr. Metzger Howe found a couple places to work on for sectionals, but most importantly, she loosened everybody up so they could relax and truly play their best.
Sadly, I missed the second half of the day due to a couple hours of setting up chairs and stands in the park. However, from what I heard from the campers, it was one of the most fun days of their elective classes. When everyone got to the park where the concert was to take place, everyone was in good spirits and all set to play. The audience grew and grew, but not one of the orchestra members became nervous. However, the wind started to grow and many of the coaches started to get nervous about holding the music on the stands.
Individuals played beautifully during the concerts. The solos were flowing, singing, and very musically played. What stole the show was the ability of everyone to stay together. It was most apparent in the big orchestra where, although we could not hear as well due to playing outside, the members of the orchestra watched Dr. Metzger Howe’s baton carefully to stay together and create beautiful orchestral music.
After the concert, many were sad to see each other go, but everyone was proud of the music and friendships they created during this fabulous week of camp.
Timmy Locke
What a hot way to end a fine week of camp. Even though it was hot out, the campers seemed even more energetic than ever. Rehearsal in the morning was tense; everyone was trying to play their best in preparation for the concert. Dr. Metzger Howe found a couple places to work on for sectionals, but most importantly, she loosened everybody up so they could relax and truly play their best.
Sadly, I missed the second half of the day due to a couple hours of setting up chairs and stands in the park. However, from what I heard from the campers, it was one of the most fun days of their elective classes. When everyone got to the park where the concert was to take place, everyone was in good spirits and all set to play. The audience grew and grew, but not one of the orchestra members became nervous. However, the wind started to grow and many of the coaches started to get nervous about holding the music on the stands.
Individuals played beautifully during the concerts. The solos were flowing, singing, and very musically played. What stole the show was the ability of everyone to stay together. It was most apparent in the big orchestra where, although we could not hear as well due to playing outside, the members of the orchestra watched Dr. Metzger Howe’s baton carefully to stay together and create beautiful orchestral music.
After the concert, many were sad to see each other go, but everyone was proud of the music and friendships they created during this fabulous week of camp.
Timmy Locke
Friday, July 24, 2009
Week 2, Day 4
Today was a pretty eventful day at camp. As we move closer to the concert day, teachers begin to intensify the practice time, tightening up loose ends. Much improvement has been made since the beginning of camp, although there is still some work to be done. However, ensembles are coming together nicely, creating great music.
For the special seminar today, Dr. Metzger Howe led the orchestra in some sight reading of movie music. We played selections from Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and Hook. I think that almost everyone enjoyed playing music from familiar movies.
During the final orchestra rehearsal of the day, we were able to run through all the pieces for tomorrow's concert without stopping. No major train wrecks occurred, which is an amazing feat considering that the ensemble has only been playing together since Monday.
Following camp today, several campers braved the chilly weather and had a water fight. To the seven of you who willingly allowed yourselves to become drenched with water balloons, squirt guns, buckets of water, and the hose, I salute you. Way to keep the traditional camp water fight alive.
Jenny Keith
Week 2, Day 3
Week 2 day 3
Camp was full of surprises today! When we arrived, Dr. Metzger Howe surprised us with a brand new piece, The Theme From E.T.. The sight reading gave the orchestra a bit of trouble at first, but by the end of the first rehearsal the piece was already sounding like the movie despite the lack of brass and bassists in the orchestra. In addition, the Massenet is coming along beautifully with wonderful solos and harmonies.
Walking around during sectionals, all of the coaches are doing a fantastic job of blending the different sounds of the campers that they just met two days ago. The sections all know each other well after just two days! Everyone is in a happy mood despite the unexpected clouds in the sky cooling off what has been such a hot week.
Today’s seminar was my favorite so far, guitar class. Everyone paired up and sat in a circle while Mr. Wilbert taught us the basics of guitar. “Guitar,” he said, “is easy to play as a secondary instrument because mostly you accompany a soloist by playing a set of chords.” He taught us simple chords and everyone picked it up fairly quickly. Time just whizzed by as we strummed chords to Leaving on a Jet Plane sung beautifully by Mr. Wilbert himself.
At the end of the day, officially half way through the camp, the two day old orchestra not only sounds, but looks like it has been together for months. As the clouds finally cleared, everything was looking up and everyone was looking forward to the last half of camp.
Timmy Locke
Camp was full of surprises today! When we arrived, Dr. Metzger Howe surprised us with a brand new piece, The Theme From E.T.. The sight reading gave the orchestra a bit of trouble at first, but by the end of the first rehearsal the piece was already sounding like the movie despite the lack of brass and bassists in the orchestra. In addition, the Massenet is coming along beautifully with wonderful solos and harmonies.
Walking around during sectionals, all of the coaches are doing a fantastic job of blending the different sounds of the campers that they just met two days ago. The sections all know each other well after just two days! Everyone is in a happy mood despite the unexpected clouds in the sky cooling off what has been such a hot week.
Today’s seminar was my favorite so far, guitar class. Everyone paired up and sat in a circle while Mr. Wilbert taught us the basics of guitar. “Guitar,” he said, “is easy to play as a secondary instrument because mostly you accompany a soloist by playing a set of chords.” He taught us simple chords and everyone picked it up fairly quickly. Time just whizzed by as we strummed chords to Leaving on a Jet Plane sung beautifully by Mr. Wilbert himself.
At the end of the day, officially half way through the camp, the two day old orchestra not only sounds, but looks like it has been together for months. As the clouds finally cleared, everything was looking up and everyone was looking forward to the last half of camp.
Timmy Locke
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Week 2 of Camp
Week two of camp has gotten off to a great start so far! As I wander down the hallways, snapping a few pictures here and there or checking on the classes, I can hear music. Music that is coming together – and it’s only day two of camp.
It’s amazing how much progress students have made since yesterday. I can already hear parts that have been practiced or worked on, which pays off in the groups. For example, Dr. Metzger Howe was able to do a complete run through of one of the pieces in orchestra, a feat impressive for only the second day of camp.
During week two of camp, students have the opportunity to attend various seminars. Today Mr. Blough gave a lecture on auditioning, something all musicians have to experience at one point in time or another. He offered tips on how to prepare for an audition, as well as demonstrating a mock audition.
Overall, today was a successful day. Despite the heat, much was accomplished, resulting in a more refined sample of music.
Jenny Keith
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