violin camp

the organizers asked us to try to write a paragraph describing the camp. here’s my attempt at a synopsis:

“in an idyllic wooded setting by a lake, ogontz suzuki camp is a week of music for families with children who have studied string instruments through the suzuki method. it offers a remarkably supportive and unpretentious social setting, where young musicians experience camaraderie and a feeling of belonging in spending time with other young musicians and their families. in the lovely surroundings of nature, it inspires children and teens to enjoy playing music. “

the camp takes place in the woods near the “white mountains. with many of the same families coming back year after year, it has become a community. families catch up with one another.

everyone participates in chores and parents accompany younger kids to lessons, group lessons, chamber groups, and orchestra rehearsals. there are also dance and theatre classes that prepare a performance for the last day. most kids play a solo in one of the afternoon recitals. there are extra activities like art and swimming in the lake; special events, like water balloon fights and “polar bear plunge” early morning swim in the lake; evening performances by faculty. then, after all that, there is the brilliantly presented “optional, stay up late and play sight reading chamber music” in the cafeteria. the better you are, the later you can stay up. the camp has an amazing spirit.

i knew that she liked this camp. that’s why we came all the way from paris. however, i didn’t realize how MUCH she liked it. one night as we settled down in the screenless cabins, (she and her cousins in a tent), she told me that she LOVED this camp. she loved it so much that she was really sad that she would soon be too old to come. she loved running around the camp on her own and hanging out with the other teenagers. it’s a safe place that gives the kids a feeling of freedom. more than that, having all these friends who ALL play the violin or cello, who understand that part of her. it is sad that playing the violin can feel like a handicap as a teenager.

when i’m here at this camp, the thing i find particularly magic is walking past the cabins in the woods and hearing music playing, kids practicing everywhere. many parents are musicians too and we all enjoy the special time making music in the woods.

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