Confessions of a Summer Music Camp Addict By Lola

Confessions of a Summer Music Camp Addict By Lola Rasminsky I spent the days leading up to my summer vacation in a state of quiet desperation. Back in January it all sounded glorious – a week making music with kindred spirits and some bonding time with my older brother. An accomplished and devoted pianist, Michael divides his time almost equally between practising neurology and practising piano. I had promised to accompany him to Music Camp for the first week in August – and now I was sorry. After fifty years of playing piano, my dream of performing chamber music had turned into a nightmare of shame, disappointment and self-recrimination. It’s not that I didn’t have time to practise. I’d had the music that I was to prepare since April but I was over-committed at work and my son was getting married in early July. Once the wedding was out of the way there would still be time to work up the three Trios I had been assigned. With familial festivities over and houseguests departed, I read the music and wept. I had committed myself to three giant hairballs of black notes that I could barely read, much less reach with my small hands. The Bach Cantata for oboe and voice was manageable, but the Schumann and Beethoven Trios were well beyond my capacity. It would take me months to unravel the killer runs, the diabolic arpeggios, and the impossible tempi. But I had only days. I had gained admission to the chamber music camp by leaning on the “trusted six-year veteran” status of my brother. Even though new ‘campers’ were required to audition, Michael vouched for my competence and my tests were waived. Participants were expected to perform their pieces after just six hours of coaching sessions. I debated endlessly with myself about whether to come clean before starting to play with my trio-mates, or to just wait to be found out. All I could think was: How can I get out of this? I’m going to make a total fool of myself! Everyone will hate me for letting them down. Unfortunately, divorcing my brother was not an option. Nor was reneging on my commitment. Instead, I spent the remaining two weeks practising eight hours a day. My back ached, my fingers throbbed, and waves of anxiety washed over me as I ploughed through nine movements of music, trying to make sense of the notes. After five or six days of putting in the hours, a strange thing started to happen. I began to think more about the music and less about myself. As I listened endlessly to the CDs, I began to master one passage at a time. I would go to sleep with the melodies in my head and wake up with the arpeggios in my fingers. After practising a passage fifty or sixty times, it began to sound okay, and I gradually turned up the metronome trying to play at an ever-increasing tempo. I was still apprehensive about disgracing myself and failing the others. But I was hoping for a miracle. When my brother and I arrived at the scenic Wellesley College campus in Massachusetts, we were greeted warmly. I felt the way I did when I entered Lisgar Collegiate in Ottawa and all the teachers said, “Oh, you’re Michael Rasminsky’s sister!” – which, in my mind translated into, “Oh, you must be quite something!” And, of course, I knew I would never meet expectations. What struck me immediately was how spiked everyone was to be there – despite the 100-degree temperatures in our unairconditioned dorm rooms. People of all ages, including judges, tool-and-die makers, and a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, had become a community with an all-consuming passion for chamber music. They loved nothing more than playing together. Even those who hadn’t been coming every summer for thirty years considered themselves ‘lifers’. They were all addicted. Our first coaching session was soon upon us – the dreaded moment of truth. The coach was a dynamic flautist with a wicked M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 CLASSES & LESSONS Summer Registration begins in March! x x x x Over 40 different instruments & genres ranging from classical to rock, folk, world music & hip-hop Over 230 professional faculty dedicated to excellence in music education Classes for beginners (newborn to adult) Choirs and ensembles for all levels www.rcmusic.ca/communityschool communityschool@rcmusic.ca The Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto: 416.408.2825 (Dufferin & Bloor) Mississauga: 905.891.7944 (Cawthra & Lakeshore) 58 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM Back to Ad Index Summer Music Opportunities A SPECIAL FEATURE compiled and edited by Carolyn McGee Opportunities for musical growth abound during the summer, and WholeNote’s SUMMER MUSIC EDUCATION DIRECTORY sets out the long and the short of it all! That’s day-camps, overnight camps, retreats, courses, institutes and workshops, all in the program presenters’ own words. It’s in the city, or by the lake. It’s all ages, from children to youth to life-long learners – and it’s all stages, from beginners to music professionals. Typical feedback from summer program participants: “a rare chance to venture outside your comfort zone, in a supportive and relaxed environment, in the company of the like-minded and the likespirited … and with the promise of gaining new skills and wonderful new friendships”; “I’m so glad I took that first step. What I learned will be with me throughout my whole life.” “Music camp is euphoric!” So check out the options described here and on our website (lovingly updated!) – and then dive in! sense of humour. She instantly put us at our ease insisting that we were at music camp to have fun and that we shouldn’t worry about making mistakes. And she plied us with lots of jokes. (“What’s the difference between a seamstress and a flautist? A seamstress tucks up the frills”). I felt better already. And then we began to play and something magical happened. Having never played chamber music before, I was bowled over by the intensity of the experience. Playing with other people is a wonderful, intuitive conversation – there’s give and take, support, intense listening. It’s not about you any more – it’s about the ensemble. The sounds we made together were, at times, exquisite. Mistakes mattered so much less when playing in the group setting. We were all there for each other and delighted in what the others had to offer. We agreed that we would perform at the Musicale. As we worked on perfecting small details and listening more closely to each other, the music began to sound more and more refined. By the second day we were playing with complete abandon. We were flying. Experiencing this ‘high’ made you want more of it. Finally I understood what a narcotic this was for my brother and why he had wanted to share it with me. Some people played with seven or eight different combinations of players each day. It was an orgy and it was legal. On the day of the Musicale the air was charged with excitement and energy. The many physician/musicians cheerfully discussed how many milligrams of Deprenol they planned to take – the beta-blocker of choice for performance anxiety. Most players were less concerned about making mistakes than about massacring the music. They didn’t want their performance to be an insult to the composer. My group managed to start and finish the Schumann Trio in a respectable manner. I played with a newfound freedom, sensitivity to the others, and unbounded joy. I actually forgot about the audience and truly grooved on the music. The audience cheered supportively when it was over and we bowed deeply. An array of activities filled the rest of the week - a group reading of the Fauré Requiem, madrigal singing, concerts by the remarkable faculty members, and the opportunity for brave souls to play one movement of a concerto with the other campers reading the orchestral parts. This gang was beginning to feel like family. My fears had been replaced by the sense of joy that everyone was experiencing – including me. I forgave my brother. Like him, I had become hooked. Now that it’s over, I miss the pleasure of bringing beautiful music to life. I’ve decided to go back to camp next year where I plan to perform part of a Mozart Piano Concerto with the campers’ orchestra. I will probably make lots of mistakes – but for me it will be ten glorious minutes that I will grow old thinking about. And my brother will be in the audience applauding his kid sister. M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 August 20-27 AlgomaTrad is an annual, weeklong, residential camp that begins 2 weeks before Labour Day and occurs at the rustic Algoma Music Camp on beautiful St. Joseph Island by the North Shore of Lake Huron. Workshops, concerts, dances and other social and recreational activities are lead by highly qualified musicians and artists of traditional culture rooted in the Ontario and Canadian historical experience. Programming is available for all ages and levels and families are welcome. The website contains fee structures, staff bios, registration forms and photos from previous years. 705-782-4311 Administrators: Julie Schryer and Pat O’Gorman jnotes@vianet.ca www.algomatrad.ca ALGOMATRAD: ALGOMA TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE FAMILY CAMP (Desbarats, ON) classes, ensemble classes, and musicianship sessions. There will be numerous opportunities to perform in a courtyard setting and in the fabulous sanctuary of the church. Free time can be spent exploring The Beach. Contacts to restaurants, spa facilities, summer theatre programs will be provided. Eight singers will be selected for each session. 416-282-7460 mheitshu@sympatico.ca THE BANFF CENTRE – SUMMER RESIDENCIES, MASTER CLASSES June 11-August 18 800-565-9989 www.banffcentre.ca/music/ June 24-August 19 Voice, winds, jazz with Karen Young - folk harp with Sharlene Wallace, Alcan Quartet in residence. Many courses including chamber music, Early music, choir, orchestra, jazz, Gypsy music, Latin percussion and dance, Broadway, theory and solfège, Tai chi. For amateur musicians of all levels. Lodging & camping on site - Bursaries available Bilingual instruction. Tennis, nature trails, boating, swimming. Programs for adults, teens and children. Families welcome! Cost: from $323 to $1559. 85 chemin CAMMAC Harrington, QC J8G 2T2 888-622-8755 national@cammac.ca www.cammac.ca CAMMAC: LAKE MACDONALD MUSIC CENTRE (Harrington, QC) THE BEACH SUMMER SCHOOL FOR ADULT SINGERS July 5-15 This new and innovative program offers a dynamic course for intensive vocal development and performance. The dedicated singer will receive instruction from expert teachers both individually and in small groups. A typical day will include private voice instruction, master classes with guest teachers, individual Alexander Technique sessions, acting CAMMAC: ONTARIO MUSIC CENTRE Lakefield College School August 5-19 NEW THIS YEAR: Work with members of True North Brass (Week 1) and Quartetto Gelato (Week 2). For amateur musicians of all ages and levels. Programming for children aged 5 to 12 and some special courses available for adolescents in 59 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM Back to Ad Index Centre musical du Lac MacDonald DA N S L E S L AU R E N T I DE S COC’s Opera Remixed Summer Intensive program which runs from Thursday, July 5 to Sunday, July 8, 2007. All COC summer programming happens at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre (227 Front St. E.) and costs $100 per week. Lake MacDonald Music Centre 416-306-2377 www.coc.ca community@coc.ca IN THE BEAUTIFUL L AURENTIANS DU 24 JUIN AU 19 AOÛT : Voix • vents • jazz avec Karen Young • harpe traditionnelle avec Sharlene Wallace • Quatuor Alcan en résidence Plusieurs cours incluant musique de chambre, musique ancienne, chant choral, orchestre, jazz, musique gitane, percussions et danses latines, Broadway, théorie et solfège, Tai-chi. Programmes pour adultes, enfants et ados. Bienvenue aux familles ! JUNE 24 TO AUGUST 19: Voice • winds • jazz with Karen Young folk harp with Sharlene Wallace • Alcan Quartet in residence Many courses including chamber music, Early music, choir, orchestra, jazz, Gypsy music, Latin percussion and dance, Broadway, theory and solfège, Tai chi. Programs for adults, teens and children. Families welcome! both weeks. Children may register as a morning day camper. On-site accommodation available; Lakefield Campground nearby. Evening concerts given by participants or faculty; after hours jamming, campfires, swimming, canoeing, hiking and tennis. Application deadline: June 18 for pre-registration of some classes; otherwise any time before the start of the week requested. 866-273-7697 www.cammac.ca CENTAURI SUMMER ARTS CAMP www.cammac.ca • national@cammac.ca • 888-622-8755 Offre aux musiciens amateurs de tout niveau des occasions de faire ensemble de la musique dans un cadre amical et détendu. Opportunities for amateur musicians of all levels to make music together in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. July 5-20 The Canadian Opera Company’s Summer Programs focus on The Barber of Seville (Rossini) and The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart) this season. The popular Summer Opera Camp runs two 1-week sessions in July and is for young people aged 8 to 12. Teens can join the CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY – SUMMER PROGRAMS (Toronto) (Wellandport, ON) July, August Centauri is an exciting sleep-over camp where creativity is nurtured through the arts! Campers attend for 10 days-7 weeks, mixing with youth from all over the world and specialising in their chosen art form. Specialists - taught by professionals - include Theatre, Writing, Dance, Film-Making, Fine Art, Photography, Musical Theatre, Acoustic Guitar and a multi-arts adventure for younger campers: C.R.E.A.T.E! Daily arts and sports electives are available, and evening programs include murder mysteries, themed banquets and festivals. Centauri is a supportive community where children discover themselves, develop arts skills and make memories that last forever. 416-766-7124 www.centauri.on.ca 60 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 Back to Ad Index CHAUTAUQUA MUSIC FESTIVAL ’07 (Chautauqua, New York) June 23-August 14 A summer studying music at Chautauqua Institution’s Music Festival is like no other educational experience. Chautauqua blends music, dance, theater, visual arts, opera, a distinguished lecture platform, leisure activities and religion for a wonderfully diverse public. The schools of music, dance, theater and art, are represented by professional counterparts. Students are encouraged to freely attend opera, symphony, theater and galleries throughout the duration of the festival. At Chautauqua, the programs are designed for students ages 17 to 25. The festival is akin to a professional experience, and students need to be prepared to undertake the demands of the sevenweek curriculum. Visit ciweb.org. Women’s Choir, Pax Christi Chorale; sicality and a retreat. 16+. Profesvocal coach for Rainbow Songs; In- sional faculty. terim Music Director, Church of the MNjcc, 750 Spadina Ave., at Bloor. Holy Trinity. In 2007 Sue was nomi416-924-6211 x277; www.mnjcc.org samc@mnjcc.org nated for Hamilton Community News’ Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Musical Instruction”. “Sue’s GODERICH CELTIC COLLEGE voice training techniques are superb August 6-10 and her manner is warm and encour519-524-8221 www.celticfestival.ca aging. Thanks to Sue’s teaching skills, 416-923-1144 I have experienced a marked improvewww.choirsontario.org ment in the strength and vocal range of my voice.” - Allyson Wenzowski, Professional Speaker, Dundas. CHOIRS ONTARIO - VOCAL: 416-523-1154 Vacation of Choral Adult Learners claimyourvoice@gmail.com Trinity Anglican Church (Aurora) July 4-7 Choirs Ontario proudly presents a CLASSICAL PURSUITS vocal workshop for adult choral sing- St. Michael’s College, U of T ers! Come to Aurora, just north of July 15-21 416-892-3580 Toronto, for a week of choral singing www.classicalpursuits.com and vocal masterclasses with renowned conductor Dr. Gerald GUITAR GIRL Neufeld and distinguished clinicians COMOX VALLEY YOUTH July 716-357-6233 Agnes McCarthy and Roland Fix. MUSIC CENTRE - INTERNATIONAL Guitar Girl is an innovative comhttp://music.ciweb.org Sessions include choral vocal issues, SUMMER MUSIC SCHOOL + FESTIVAL munity based music school. The Baroque and Classical Arias, Italian (Courtenay, BC) goal - provide an alternative space Art Songs, German Lieder, Roman- July 1-August 5 for girls and women to develop tic music, 20th/21st Century Songs, Classical Program (July 3-August 5): their musical talents. The promise and Stage music including opera, Designed to challenge students of - deliver quality instruction in an operetta, and musical theatre. Parall proficiency levels. You will learn environment where girls and ticipate either as a ‘soloist’ or ‘audivia sectionals, individual lessons, women feel comfortable. Our intor’ for any of the voice mastertheory and aural skills also perform- structors, all professional musiclasses, and most certainly as a chorcians, have designed their proing in our Symphony by the Sea. ister for the choral sessions! AppliPacific Jazz (July 3-July 15): Leading grams with this mandate in mind. cation Deadline: May 25, 2007. What do New York, Chicago, Port416-923-1144 Canadian jazz improvisers and clinicians will share jazz improvisa- land (and now Toronto) have in www.choirsontario.org CHOIRS ONTARIO – ONTARIO tion, ensemble and big band tech- common? They all have “Rock ‘n’ YOUTH CHOIR 2007 niques, focusing on performance, Roll” camps for girls! Join us in July CLAIM YOUR VOICE University of Ottawa composition and arranging. Musi- for one of our week-long camps of STUDIOS - WORKSHOPS August 17-26 cal Theatre (July 1-July 21): Three in- all-girl music making. Age: 12 - 17. Each summer, forty talented young (Hamilton, Toronto) 416-469-4475 www.guitargirl.ca tense weeks focusing on the triple singers, aged 16 to 23, are chosen June 28-August 25 threat fundamentals of dance, vofrom across the province to partici- Sue Crowe Connolly is passionate cal technique, stage presence and pate in the Ontario Youth Choir. OYC about working with people character creation. provides an unforgettable experi- “claim”, “find” or enjoy their own 250-338-7463 www.cymc.ca ence; friendship and fun for the sing- voice. She has thriving studios in ers, and extraordinary training with Hamilton and Toronto. Her work DOWNTOWN SUZUKI DAY CAMP some of Canada’s finest choral includes: workshops with Echo Miles Nadal JCC (Toronto) July 23-27 Semi Private and Group Suzuki Lessons, Musical Enrichment Classes, Swimming, Crafts, Choir. Earlybird Registration (deadline May 11): Vocal classes and choral sessions for adult choral singers! $300; General Registration (deadline June 15): $325. Dr. Gerald Neufeld, conductor Children under the age of 18 Agnes McCarthy & Roland Fix, clinicians must be accompanied by an adult GUITAR WORKSHOP PLUS Humber College and be level twinkle or up. July 4 – 7, 2007 416-924-6211 x277 www.mnjcc.org July 15-27 Participants: $275 Auditors: $200 MNjcc, 750 Spadina Ave., at Bloor Whether you are a beginner or proRegistration Deadline: May 25th, 2007 samc@mnjcc.org fessional, you will find what you’re looking for at Guitar Workshop Information & registration Plus. Guitar, Bass, Drum, Keyboard, DOWNTOWN SUMMER Choirs Ontario and Vocal courses are offered for CHORAL INSTITUTE 330 Walmer Road all ages, levels, and styles includMiles Nadal JCC (Toronto) Toronto on m5r 2y4 ing Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, July 30-August 3 t: 416 923 1144 • f: 416 929 0415 Day Institute for choral singers; semi- Acoustic and Songwriting. The info@choirsontario.org • www.choirsontario.org private lessons, ensemble singing, program is fun, educational, and vocal production, world music, mu- music-filled where instruction is leaders. This year the choir members of OYC 2007 will spend nine memorable days together at the University of Ottawa under the inspired leadership of conductor Robert Cooper. Concerts will be held in Ottawa, Kingston and Toronto on August 24, 25, and 26. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this exceptional choir! Adult “VOCAL” Week M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 Connect Chorally Make Life Sing! WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM 61 Back to Ad Index designed to meet the student’s personal level and musical goals. In addition to our outstanding faculty, guest artists teach and perform. Past artists have included Alex Lifeson, Joe Satriani, Randy Bachman, Robben Ford, John Abercrombie, Rik Emmett, John Knowles, and many others. Toronto, ON - Session 1: July 15-20 Session 2: July 22-27 Vancouver, BC Session: July 2-7 905-897-8397 are held for all levels and ages in jazz sessions will be conducted at www.guitarworkshopplus.com fiddle, piano accompaniment and the end of each day, as will daily HOCKLEY VALLEY MUSIC CAMP Ecology Retreat Centre (Hockley Valley, ON) August 5-11 An intimate, family like camp in a rustic setting in Ontario’s beautiful Hockley Valley, just outside Orangeville. The food is great and the setting is very special. Lessons S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 stepdancing. Instructors rotate between classes and we have optional one-on-two sessions for more focused lessons. Daily student mini-concerts, workshops in guitar and special interest topics such as amplification and recording techniques from the pros, plus evening concerts and jam sessions! Join us for an amazing music-filled and friendly learning experience! 905-294-1141 www.fiddlecamp.ca intermediate and advanced theory sessions. Develop your skills in a small group setting, gain practical and theoretical knowledge, and deepen your understanding of the music through daily listening, performance and discussion. 416-675-6622x 3361 www.humber.ca parampreet.ubhi@humber.ca HUMBER COLLEGE SONGWRITING WORKSHOP HONEY BEE MUSIC AND DANCE CAMP (Tisdale, SK) August 6-11 306-873-5216 www.vopnimusic.com HUMBER COLLEGE SUMMER JAZZ WORKSHOP One and Two Week Sessions Available Vancouver Session: July 2 - July 7, 2007 Toronto (Session 1): July 15 - July 20, 2007 Toronto (Session 2): July 22 - July 27, 2007 ➣ Acoustic ➣ Classical ➣ Blues ➣ Jazz ➣ Rock ➣ Guitar ➣ Bass ➣ Drums ➣ Keyboards ➣ Vocals ➣ Songwriting July 9-13 The Humber Summer Jazz Workshop is an intensive week-long event designed for both novice and seasoned jazz performers. The emphasis is on small group jazz performance and improvisation skills-enhanced by Master Classes, practical theory lessons, listening sessions, as well as faculty, guest and participant concerts. Informal July 7–13 Spend a week immersed in writing your best songs. Program ranges from beginner to advanced. Morning seminars feature topics like Lyric Writing 101, Music Business War Stories, Hit Song Analysis, When Can I Quit My Day Job?, and more. Afternoon classes with professional mentors help you workshop your material. Many opportunities to showcase in evening performances, and to record demos of your material. Faculty for 2007 includes Jules Shear (MTV Unplugged, Bangles, Cyndi Lauper); successful indie artists Emm Gryner and Danny Michel; Damhnait Doyle (Shaye, EMI); Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Snow, CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS! Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced ALL AGES WELCOME! 12–Adult ON OR OFF CAMPUS TUITION Includes Classes, Room & Meals or Classes Only SPECIAL GUEST ARTISTS PAST ARTISTS INCLUDE: Alex Lifeson, Joe Satriani, John Knowles, Rik Emmett, Peppino D'Agostino, Robben Ford, John Abercrombie, John Jorgenson, Randy Bachman, Billy Sheehan, Sue Foley,Wayne Krantz, Lorne Lofsky and more... FIND OUT WHO WILL BE JOINING US THIS YEAR! For a free brochure or more information Call 905.897.8397 or visit us online www.guitarworkshopplus.com 62 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 Back to Ad Index Jacksoul); Charlie Major (country The JVL Summer School for Performstar); with Artistic Direction from ing Arts invites young and aspirRik Emmett and Blair Packham. ing musicians to participate in the 416-675-6622 x77172 unique course of the Summer www.myspace.com/humbersongwriting School. The course offers its parpat.tait@humber.ca ticipants a wonderful opportunity to combine their intensive music studies and concert performances with recreational activities. The JVL SSPA committed to the artistic development of young musicians of all ages by providing students with intensive, highly professional training under the tutelage of a distinguished faculty: Julian Fisher, Mary Fisher, Prof. Jose-Luis Garcia, Dr. Lee Joiner, Jacob INTERPROVINCIAL MUSIC CAMP Lakirovich, Mikhail Mirzoev, Alina Camp Manitou (Parry Sound) Mirzoev, Sharon Prater, Ilia August 19-September 2 Shekhtihin, Marc Widner, Prof. Founded in 1961, Interprovincial David Zafer, Paul Zafer. Music Camp has provided genera416-735-7499 or 905-882-7479 tions of young Canadian musicians www.musicinsummer.com with exceptional musical training and unforgettable summer camp experiences that last a lifetime. KINCARDINE SUMMER Campers cherish memories of fine- MUSIC FESTIVAL tuning their skills as musicians, August 5-18 developing friendships with A unique combination of profesteenagers from across Canada, and sional public evening concerts and forging a life-long love of music. IMC daytime classes makes KSMF a has a program to fit everyone’s mu- prime destination for concertsical tastes, including orchestra, goers and musicians from across band, musical theatre, jazz and rock North America. The Hilario Duran programs to challenge and inspire Trio kicks off the world-class conyoung musicians from Grades 7 cert series August 5. Jazz: Artistic through 12, and their outstanding Director Alex Dean with Guido Junior String Academy for young Basso, Barry Elmes, Mike Malone; string players, ages 9 to 12. Dave McMurdo, Brian Dickinson, 416-488-3316 Pat Collins, Lorne Lofsky, and Lisa www.InterprovincialmusicCamp.ca Martinelli. Blues: Suzie Vinnick, vocals; Carlos del Junco, harIRISH SUMMER SCHOOL monica; Rick Fines and Pete (Toronto) Schmidt, guitar. Chamber Music: July 23-August 17 Arthur-LeBlanc String Quartet and Now in its 7th year, this program Peter Allen, piano. 20 outstandoffers a week-long introduction to ing instrumental and vocal prothe whole Irish culture. Children grams. Beautiful Lake Huron, a are grouped with their own age, welcoming community and the finand activities include: Irish lanest musical opportunities make guage, singing, dancing, music this event unbeatable. (tin whistle, fiddle, etc.) and 866-453-9716 www.ksmf.ca other fun surprises. The cost is only $110.00 for the week. Tenta- LIVING ARTS CENTRE – tive locations and dates pending SUMMER CAMPS school board approval are: Holy (Mississauga) Cross, July 23-27 (Cosburn & July 3-August 24 Donlands); St. Timothy’s, July 30– The Living Arts Centre is a dyAugust 3 (Don Mills & Sheppard); namic venue where children can Our Lady of Sorrows, August 13explore the wonders of the visual 17 (Islington & Bloor). This is such and performing arts. Camp proa popular program that the Durham grams are designed to provide fun, Irish are also running a program in encouraging, creative and safe exAjax from July 16–20. Call Marian periences for children ages 6 to 16. Sheridan: 905-427-0232 Programs are taught by practising 416-446-6993 artists in professional studios. For moleary2001@rogers.com MOUNT ROYAL COLLEGE ORGAN ACADEMY (Calgary, AB) July 22-31 403-440-7769 www.mtroyal.ca/ conservatory/intsumschool.shtml THE MUSIC STUDIO July, August (Etobicoke) 416-234-9268 www.themusicstudio.ca MUSIC AT PORT MILFORD (Milford, ON) July 21-August 18 Summer festival and music school, established in 1986, in historic Prince Edward County, presents weekly performances by students and faculty artists. This year’s resident faculty will include the Alcan and Tokai Quartets in addition to Kathy Rapoport, Susan Gagnon, Paul Widner, and Conductors, Michael Newnham and George Garrett Keast. MPM offers four weeks of intensive chamber music study for serious string students, ages 13-18. Students, who are admitted competitively, work together with their artist faculty mentors to produce weekly performances of chamber, orchestral and choral works. Director, Meg Hill. (Hamilton, ON) Each year, over 300 students apply to be part of this extraordinary opportunity for emerging young Canadian musicians to work as Apprentice musicians alongside established professionals from Canada’s finest orchestras. Based in Hamilton, the NAO is the resident orchestra of Brott Music Festival, Canada’s largest orchestral music festival. Under the artistic direction of Boris Brott, students par914-439-5039 ticipate in orchestral and chamber www.mpmcamp.org performances, masterclasses, semidirector@mpmcamp.org nars and mock auditions. Students NATIONAL ACADEMY ORCHESTRA /B ROTT MUSIC FESTIVAL July JVL SUMMER SCHOOL FOR PERFORMING ARTS (North Bay) a full description of program offerings, dates and prices please visit our website. 905-306-6000 www.livingartscentre.ca WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 63 Back to Ad Index receive a weekly wage and must be 18-30 years old and Canadian citizens to apply. The NAO has graduated nearly 1,000 students who have gone on to perform with ensembles and orchestras all over the world. 888-475-9377 www.nationalacademyorchestra.com or www.brottmusic.com NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE (Ottawa) June 8-July 1 Canada’s National Arts Centre’s Summer Music Institute and Institute for Orchestral Studies in Ottawa, Canada, under the artistic direction of Maestro Pinchas Zukerman, along with Patinka Kopec, Co-Artistic Director of the Young Artists Programme and Kenneth Kiesler, Director of the Conductors Programme. Applications are now being accepted for: 1st Annual Institute of Orchestral Studies, 2007-2008 Season; 9th Annual Young Artists Programme for strings, winds, piano, June 8-July 1; 7th Annual Conductors Programme, June 17-28. 613-947-7000 x568 www.nac-cna.ca ior Camp (grades 3 - 8) and Senior Camp (grades 8 - 12). Both camps offer a complete Band/Orchestral program, Music Theatre and Jazz Camp. All levels of musicians are invited to participate at NMC from beginners to advanced levels. We offer a Beginning Instrument program (Junior Division only) for all woodwind, brass and strings as well as a Suzuki Strings option. In addition to music, campers have the opportunity to participate in amazing camp activities including water skiing, canoeing/kayaking, ropes course, land sports, A&C, golf and many more! June 24-August 8 in one week intensive classes. Regu416-532-4470 www.nyoc.org lar private lessons in voice and most instruments continue from the beginning of July to the middle of August. All courses are taught by highly qualified professionals, among them many award-winning performing artists. 416-488-2588 www.ntimusic.com info@ntimusic.com NO STRINGS THEATRE – 416-482-2475 MUSIC THEATRE FOR YOUTH www.nationalmusiccamp.com (Toronto) THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF CANADA Founded in 1960, the NYOC was established as an educational body with the objective of preparing young Canadian musicians for careers as professional orchestral players. Based on nationally held auditions, successful candidates will be given the opportunity to participate in the NYOC regardless of economic or geographic circumstance. All musicians are awarded scholarships to help cover the costs of the NYOC training session. The summer session and tour offers more hours of training in orchestral playing in one summer than most universities offer in a year. Faculty members of the NYOC come from prominent orchestras throughout Europe and North America. August 19-September 2 National Music Camp has been providing young musicians from across Canada a spectacular musical and camping experience for 42 years! We offer two sessions, Jun- NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP OF CANADA (Longford Mills, ON) July 3-27 No Strings Theatre aims to provide an opportunity for teens+ (13-21) to be involved in musical theatre and to develop their performance skills as well as experience the behind the scenes ins and outs of putting on a full stage production. The four-week intensive includes classes in singing, acting and dancing and culminates in a fullystaged production. This year’s production is Seussical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The program runs from July 3-27, 2007 at The First Unitarian Church, 175 St Clair Ave. W. Performances will be July 25 & 26 at the Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave (at Bloor). 416-588-5845 www.nostringstheatre.com June-August Parents & Babies or Young Children: Music With Your Baby™ ~ for parents and babies 1-36 months; Eurhythmics (3-5 years). Preparatory Music (3-5 years). Children & Youth: String Quartets & Small Ensembles (all ages); Music Theatre Camp; Beginner Guitar Class; Kodaly & Orff Class. Teens & Adults: Piano Duo/Duet Class; Piano Concerto Class; Sight Reading Under Pressure; Rock Band Jam; Scratch from Scratch: DJ Fundamentals; Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass; SteelPan; Songwriting; Music Theatre Camp; Music Theory & History; Introduction to Singing; Opera Scene Study; Choirs. For Teachers: Kodály, Orff, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics; NEW! Apprenticeship in Orff Teacher Training; World Music: An Orff Perspective with Doug Goodkin. 416-408-2825 www.rcmusic.ca/communityschool RCM COMMUNITY SCHOOL – SUMMER PROGRAMS (Toronto) NORTH TORONTO INSTITUTE OF MUSIC SOUTHERN ONTARIO CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE July-August The North Toronto Institute of Music is offering many exciting programs during the summer. Five day jazz camps consisting of lessons, jazz theory, band and final performance should attract many jazz enthusiasts. Theory in all subjects and levels is available both in intensive three-week courses for RCM exams in August, and in regular classes. String orchestral rehearsals and performance are also offered Appleby College (Oakville) August 6-19 The Southern Ontario Chamber Music Institute provides string and piano musicians with an in-depth study of chamber music under the direction of an internationally-acclaimed faculty - Penderecki String Quartet, Tokai String Quartet, Duke Trio, Katherine Rapoport, Michael Schulte and, composer-in-residence, Dr. Kelly-Marie Murphy. The two week intensive program NATIONAL ACADEMY ORCHESTRA Canada’s leading professional training orchestra brottmusic.com | nationalacademyorchestra.com 64 Boris Brott, Artistic Director | Hamilton, ON Brott Music Festival’s orchestra in residence May 7 to Aug. 23 Season Finale: Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand” August 23 | Hamilton Place M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM Back to Ad Index education showcasing artists in all stages of development through a variety of innovative and challenging operatic repertoire. SOLT brings together young vocalists, students, professional singers and high-profile teachers in a unique program that combines learning and performing in a professional environment. SOLT’s workshop productions pro905-842-5865 www.socmi.org vide valuable experience and insights to participants by combining music rehearsals, master SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL ~ classes, discussions, lectures and SUZUKI KINGSTON staging rehearsals, culminating in St. Lawrence College two weeks of performances at the July 1-13 Robert Gill Theatre. Summer OpStudents and teachers from around era Lyric Theatre and Research Centhe world convene in Kingston for tre is a not-for-profit organization. two weeks of intensive instruction, 416-922-2912 www.solt.ca coaching and entertainment. Instrument lessons are available for all ages in piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, recorder, guitar and many enrichment classes. The Music Theatre Program presents one of the greatest Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, H.M.S. Pinafore, awash with poignant humor, elegant tradition, and rapturous music. Also offered is the new Jump into Jazz program featuring internationally acclaimed Chase Sanborn; instru- TAFELMUSIK BAROQUE ments wanted: trumpet, saxo- SUMMER INSTITUTE phone, trombone, guitar, bass, pi- Faculty of Music, U of T ano, and drums/percussion. Other June 1-14 programs include Voice, Teen Pro- Join some of the world’s finest gram, Teacher Development Pro- musicians in the field of baroque pergrams; Suzuki and Bigler~Lloyd- formance for this 14-day training Watts Mastering the Piano. programme in instrumental and vo613-542-1486 or 888-283-1539 cal performance practice. Classes are www.morethanmusic.com offered in strings, woodwinds, harpsichord, lute and voice. A programme SUMMER OPERA LYRIC THEATRE for conductors/directors is also The Edward Jackman Centre available. Taught by Tafelmusik (Toronto); June-August musicians and guest faculty: masFounded in 1988, SUMMER OPERA ter-classes, orchestra/choir rehearsLYRIC THEATRE (SOLT)’s mandate als, chamber ensembles, private lesis to promote musical and dramatic sons, lectures, opera workshops, con- - August 6 thru 19 - takes place at Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario. Students and faculty stay in residence in a dedicated dormitory with access to cafeteria, rehearsal facilities and concert hall. The program incorporates a 4-Concert Summer Series featuring Penderecki String Quartet, Tokai String Quartet, Duke Trio, Student Showcase. certs. Advanced students, pre-pro- TORONTO ALL-STAR BIG BAND fessional and professional musicians SUMMER PROGRAM are invited to apply by March 30, June 18-September 1 2007. This exceptional summer music pro416-964-9562 x241 gram engages young instrumental www.tafelmusik.org and vocal jazz musicians aged 15 to 22 in a challenging rehearsal and performance environment. Daily THORNHILL CHAMBER rehearsals, workshops and master MUSIC INSTITUTE classes are combined with an extenJuly 16-27 Thornhill Chamber Music Insti- sive concert schedule including lotute, began in 1991 is a two-week cal programming and out of town daily summer program. Students touring. Positions in the 17-piece from 8-17, and apprentices from 18- band and 5-member vocal group are 24 work together with profes- earned by audition (April 14), and sional musician-coaches. Daily participants may be rewarded with sports, stretches for musicians, bursaries equivalent to summer sturhythmic challenges, composition, dent employment. A spectacular inchoral singing, renaissance group cubator for emerging professionals, and chamber orchestra in addition this program gives young musicians to small ensembles and fiddling the edge as they enter the competiall provide a comprehensive and tive arts scene. 416-231-5695 rich learning experience for all. www.torontoallstarbigband.com TCMI takes place in a beautiful wooded setting at the Toronto Waldorf School. The family-type at- TORONTO DIOCESAN mosphere includes many levels of CHOIR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS musical abilities and a non-com- Trafalgar Castle School (Whitby) petitive sharing feeling is enjoyed August 5-19 905-727-9009 tbrowning@bss.on.ca by everyone. There are several performances by students, apprenTORONTO DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD tices and faculty. 905-770-9059 www.tcmi.ca – DOWNTOWN SUMMER SOUNDS/STRINGS/ BAND SOUTHERN ONTARIO CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM ~ AUGUST 6 - 19, 2007 Immerse yourself into the ultimate chamber music experience !! Join us for a two-week intensive program of study under the mentorship of our internationally-acclaimed faculty RESIDENT ENSEMBLES Penderecki String Quartet Aug 7-11 CONCERT Aug 9 Tokai String Quartet Aug 13-15 & Aug 18-19 CONCERT Aug 14 The Duke Trio Aug 16-18 CONCERT Aug 16 VISITING ARTISTS Katharine Rapoport Michael Schulte COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE Dr. Kelly-Marie Murphy The program takes place within the facilities and grounds of the lakefront property of Oakville’s Appleby College For more information and application info@socmi.org www.socmi.org 905-842-5865 M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM 65 Back to Ad Index July threshold of their careers master classes in percussion, piano, strings and winds, chamber music workshops for ensembles, and (Albion Hills/Mono Cliffs); July a four-week program in opera. The dennis.zimmer@tdsb.on.ca Festival gives music-lovers opportunity to explore a wide range of TORONTO FACULTY OF MUSIC – musical styles and to deepen their MUSIC THEATRE CAMP knowledge of classical music (Etobicoke) through concerts, lectures, workJuly-August shops, master classes and fullyToronto Faculty of Music’s Music staged opera performances. Theatre Camp is two full weeks of 416-585-4464 singing, acting, creating sets and www.torontosummermusic.ca fun. Working with our experienced music theatre teacher, Diane TRYPTYCH James, performers receive training Trinity Presbyterian Church in movement and solo and ensem- (Toronto); July ble singing. Together they will re- TrypTych’s Summer Contemporary hearse dialogue, musical numbers Opera Workshop runs from July 3 and dance routines and engage in to July 31. 2007. Featured works are set design for this year’s produc- Argento’s The Boor, Kupferman’s In tion of MARY POPPINS. TFOM Mu- a Garden and Moore’s Gallantry. sic Theatre Camp is committed to Stage direction is by Edward Franko making the performing arts acces- with music direction by Dr. Brett sible to children and teens. Our Kingsbury and Dr. Erika Crino. In program fosters teamwork, fun our eighth season, previous eduand commitment that will resonate cational workshops have included in all areas of the participant’s productions of Adamo’s Little lives long after they leave the Women, and Menotti’s The Consul. TFOM MTC family. Fully staged with piano accompa416-231-4424 tfom@sympatico.ca niment, our workshop rehearsals are held on evenings and weekends, allowing those who work nine to five to participate. Auditions to be held in the spring. Date to be announced shortly. Vocal Master Class included. dennis.zimmer@tdsb.on.ca program offers musicians at the ested in working on their conduct- Academy students. The Academy or advanced students who are inter- TORONTO DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD – Summer Music Camps ing and teaching in an intensive but collegial atmosphere. 416-946-5301 www.music.utoronto.ca gillian.mackay@utoronto.ca UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO POWER MUSIC CAMPS July 9-20 An exciting music camp for students completing Grade 5 to 9. University of Toronto faculty teach students to become Power Musicians. Students play in ensembles, sectionals and music electives. Recreational activities round out the day. Students may register for band, strings or choir camp. 416-978-3746 www.music.utoronto.ca Camp Office: powermusic.camp@utoronto.ca UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCHOOL OF BOP JAZZ CAMP July 9-13 Taught by Canada’s top jazz performers, this camp is geared to students with a strong interest in jazz improvisation. Participants will gain valuable experience performing in small jazz ensembles as well as instruction in improvisation, jazz history, jazz harmony, basic arranging and jazz ear training. Open to students completing Grades 9-12. 416-978-3746 www.music.utoronto.ca Camp Office: powermusic.camp@utoronto.ca July 25-29 What could be better than singing world music in harmony with likeminded enthusiasts, in beautiful cottage country locations, surrounded by water, with great food and excellent company? The summer Singing Retreat on Lake Simcoe will feature Valérie Magnan teaching music from Québec, Suba Sankaran and Alan Gasser. Participants will live together, eat together, and sing together for a glorious and unforgettable five days of song-raising, culminating in a couple of weekend local performances. The fall weekend workshop at the Lodge, a beautiful pastoral retreat on Amherst Island near Kingston, will feature Val Mindel, specialist in Appalachian and Gospel Music and Becca Whitla. 416-588-9050 www.worldsongs.ca YIP’S MUSIC & MONTESSORI SCHOOLS 416-763-5066 x1 www.tryptych.org TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY & FESTIVAL UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SUMMER WIND CONDUCTING SYMPOSIUM Edward Johnson Bldg, U of T July 22-August 19 The vision of Toronto Summer Music is to present Canadian artists of international stature together with international artists providing outstanding musical experiences for audiences at the Festival and to select pedagogues of the highest caliber to coach and inspire July 3-6 The University of Toronto Faculty of Music is again presenting its Summer Wind Conducting Symposium at the Faculty of Music. The guest clinician this year will be Dr. Gerald King from the University of Victoria, along with resident faculty members Dr. Gillian MacKay and Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds. The symposium is available to all teachers THE WOODS MUSIC AND DANCE CAMP (Rosseau, ON) August 22-27 416-461-1862 www.the-woods.ca WORLD SONGS 2007 SUMMER SINGING RETREAT & FALL WEEKEND WORKSHOP (Markham, Thornhill) July 3-August 24 Yip’s Sommermusik Academy is an intensive chamber music and performing arts program featuring strings, brass/woodwinds, piano and vocal training. For young musicians aged 8 & up. Music performances, workshops and orchestral training. Sight-reading and ear tests, theory training, practice techniques, assist in achieving best results in RCM Examinations. Dance, Choir, Language and Visual Arts. Music Trips and concerts. Music instructors wanted for Sommermusik 2007! Located at 100 Lee Avenue, Markham. Info: 905-752-0275; eduarda@yips.com 905-513-0955 www.yips.com (Lake Simcoe; Amherst Island) WorldSongs Vocal Camp for Adults Village music from around the world For people who love singing!!!! Featuring: Alan Gasser, Becca Whitla, Val Mindel, Valérie Magnan and Suba Sankaran — July 25-29 Summer Singing Retreat on Lake Simcoe — Sept 28-30 Fall Weekend Workshop on Amherst Island (near Kingston) w w w .w orldsongs.ca 66 416-588-9050, ex 2 WWW .THEWHOLENOTE .COM M ARCH 1 - A PRIL 7 2007 Back to Ad Index