Friday, August 12, 2011
Wednesday
We started off Wednesday with a breakfast of cereal. The morning was spent rehearsing with our various ensembles. After lunch (sandwiches), we had a fun game-time, complete with a rousing game of Apples to Apples. After more viola plaing and a tasty dinner of lasagna and garlic bread (and more salad), we headed down to Gold Fork Hot Springs, where we spent a relaxing evening.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Viola Camp 2011 - Monday & Tuesday
Our first full day of Viola Camp (Monday) was full of delightfulness. We got up bright and early and, after a breakfast of cereal, we all piled into our respective vehicles and headed over to the church. We had a full day of viola playing, including large ensemble (everyone together), smaller ensembles, and even smaller ensembles, as well as individual practice. Renaud led us in a session of pilates/yoga exercises to get in tune with our spines. Back at camp, we had a yummy dinner of hamburgers (or veggie burgers for some). We went on a scenic hike up to a cliff that overlooks the lake, then returned to camp for smores and (for some), a late-night swimming adventure.
Tuesday, we had a nice breakfast of pancakes, followed by a morning full of viola-playing (yay!). We went back to camp for lunch (hot dogs), then went to beach for a refreshing break of swimming, volleyball, frisbee and suntanning. After that, we headed back to the church for more playing and practice time. Back at camp again, we had a nutritious dinner of baked potatoes. After dinner we had some free time to swim or walk or play badminton.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Viola Camp 2011 - Sunday
We had an exciting first day at Viola Camp. The caravan arrived at camp uneventfully (or at least it looked that way from the outside of the cars...) and got the campsite set up. A massive pile of firewood was collected and everyone settled in with their new tentmates. Then we all headed back to the church with our violas (or bass) to play get-to-know-you games. We had a pleasant supper of pizza and salad, followed by a little viola playing. In the evening, we went back to the campsite and enjoyed the fruits of our firewood-collecting labors, then retired to our tents.
No photos yet, but there will be soon!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
2010 Camp Wrap Up
Hello from the Viola Camp Office! While I'm certain you visualize that as being a well organized space somewhere, it's mostly at my desk in the music room, with a lot of Post-it notes.
I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday's concert at the Cathedral of the Rockies. I was very proud of all of the small ensembles. For many students, this was their first experience working in a small chamber music setting. We accomplished a lot in six short days, and I am grateful for the time and experience of working with such an accomplished and hardworking group of students.
Music is often a conduit for greater things. While most students who study viola do not go on to have a career in music, the lessons they learn through study are invaluable. Learning patience, delayed gratification, striving for the betterment of a group through personal effort and responsibility, communicating without words, working in a small group with a variety of communication and personality styles, these are all life skills applicable to a myriad of situations.
I'm always impressed at the deep friendships formed at camp year after year. Sometimes, campers only see each other once a year, and they pick up right where they left off. Other times, the friendships formed at camp can help ease a transition time, as many campers find themselves off to junior high or high school. Seeing a friendly, older face in a new environment can really make things less stressful. Even our campers that live in other states keep in touch with each other, through Facebook, e mail and more. I've seen campers help their new found camp friends through difficult situations, as well as celebrate triumphs together. Viola Camp is truly a family.
Thank you so much for you support of Idaho Viola Camp. Next year is the 5th year of camp, which will bring many exciting developments. Stay tuned for more!
Viola Camp 2011 is set for August 8-14-a full 7 days of camp, with our final concert in McCall as a special celebration.
Jen Drake
Director, Idaho Viola Camp
.
I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday's concert at the Cathedral of the Rockies. I was very proud of all of the small ensembles. For many students, this was their first experience working in a small chamber music setting. We accomplished a lot in six short days, and I am grateful for the time and experience of working with such an accomplished and hardworking group of students.
Music is often a conduit for greater things. While most students who study viola do not go on to have a career in music, the lessons they learn through study are invaluable. Learning patience, delayed gratification, striving for the betterment of a group through personal effort and responsibility, communicating without words, working in a small group with a variety of communication and personality styles, these are all life skills applicable to a myriad of situations.
I'm always impressed at the deep friendships formed at camp year after year. Sometimes, campers only see each other once a year, and they pick up right where they left off. Other times, the friendships formed at camp can help ease a transition time, as many campers find themselves off to junior high or high school. Seeing a friendly, older face in a new environment can really make things less stressful. Even our campers that live in other states keep in touch with each other, through Facebook, e mail and more. I've seen campers help their new found camp friends through difficult situations, as well as celebrate triumphs together. Viola Camp is truly a family.
Thank you so much for you support of Idaho Viola Camp. Next year is the 5th year of camp, which will bring many exciting developments. Stay tuned for more!
Viola Camp 2011 is set for August 8-14-a full 7 days of camp, with our final concert in McCall as a special celebration.
Jen Drake
Director, Idaho Viola Camp
.
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