Ovations Summer Strings Academy for high school and middle school students is focused primarily on small ensemble (chamber) playing, a unique aspect that sets it apart from many other local music camps. In this “chamber ensemble” setting, young musicians learn problem-solving skills, group interplay, and interpersonal communication skills. Full string orchestra rehearsals round out the experience, and in one week’s time, June 24-29, participants present two full performances!
Ovations Co-Director Glenn Dewey, Professor of Double Bass at Mason’s School of Music, is very proud of the faculty that he and Co- Director Alex Morrison have assembled. “Our chamber coaches, directors and staff are all passionate and highly skilled educators and performers,” Mr. Dewey stated. “Additionally, they are also wonderful human beings who truly love working with these young artists. The students very quickly get the idea that our teachers’ primary mission is to help them play beautifully. The participants also see how well our faculty as a whole get along as friends and colleagues. This creates and cultivates a fantastic learning environment and instills a passion for playing music, plus it allows the musicians an opportunity to develop new friendships and relationships that may not otherwise be cultivated in large orchestral settings.”
The Ovations team includes two Guest Conductors, which guide rehearsals for two large string orchestra groups. This year’s conductors are Scott Wood (Amadeus Orchestra, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Washington Conservatory Orchestra, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Arlington Philharmonic) and J.D. Anderson (American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras).
In addition to the locally and nationally recognized faculty and staff working with the students each day, representatives from Day Violins will provide advice on instrument maintenance, a master class on construction of instruments, and opportunities for repairs and purchase of quality stringed instruments.
“My favorite part of Ovations is observing how these young artists develop a piece of music from site-reading to performance-ready in a matter of days,” exclaimed Mr. Dewey. “It is thrilling to watch a group of shy, young musicians walk out on stage by themselves with a new appreciation of stage presence and performance etiquette while sitting down and performing at a level of which they never knew they were capable! They will learn repertoire that they will be able to play for years to come in small ensemble settings for weddings, chamber concerts and other small ensemble performances.”
This year’s special guest artist is the Cristian Perez Chamber Ensemble (CPCE). This quartet consists of an unusual instrumentation: guitar, cello, violin, and flute, plus auxiliary percussion instruments (such as dun dun drum, windchimes, hooves, shakers, rainstick, etc.) played by the four members of the ensemble. This project not only combines musicians of different backgrounds (classical, Bulgarian folk, Jazz, Tango, Bluegrass, Latin-american, etc.), but it also attempts to send a message of unity and inclusiveness.
“My fondest memories are watching the students laugh and have fun as we do team building exercises,” recalled Mr. Dewey. “It is also exciting to watch the joy they derive from mastering a piece of music. Standing backstage as the performers walk off stage and seeing them ‘high five’ and hug each other with pride at a week of hard work being realized is priceless!”
The program takes place in Mason’s School of Music, with the two concerts performed in Mason’s Harris Theatre. Join in this summer for an unforgettable strings camp experience!
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