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
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