Ovations Summer Strings Academy

Students participating in this group perform “music grade 3-4 level” pieces in both the large string orchestra and chamber music groups.  All members of the Gold Orchestra will perform in the final concert, both in their chamber ensemble and string orchestra.  The primary goal for this group is to provide participants some of their first serious chamber music opportunities, as well as prepare them for more advanced literature in the future.  Tone production, intonation, and ensemble and chamber music skills will all be explored.

Students participating in this group will perform “music grade 5-6 level” pieces in both their large string orchestra and chamber music groups.  All members of the Green Orchestra will perform in the final concert, both in their chamber ensemble and string orchestra.  The primary goal for this group is to provide more advanced players opportunities to work together with faculty coaches to delve more deeply into advanced concepts of performance and to expand their musical experiences and horizons.

Bridging the Gap is the highly acclaimed string duo featuring violinist Peter Wilson and double bassist Aaron Clay. Hailed by The Washington Post for “… superior arrangements and uncommon musicianship,” Bridging the Gap is a unique duo that offers a new voice to many musical styles by uniting the sounds of two bowed and bridged instruments not often heard together.

Peter Wilson is an engaging and multifaceted performer whose violin solos have been noted as “first-class” by The Washington Post. Aaron Clay is a uniquely versatile double bassist, commanding great respect in both the classical and jazz worlds of bass playing. Wilson and Clay founded Bridging the Gap in 1997 after developing a friendship as colleagues in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. As members of the Marine Band, they make regular appearances at The White House performing for various dinners and receptions. As a duo representing the Marine Band, they provided entertainment for the President and First Lady in the private residence of the Executive Mansion as well as serenading countless senior military and government officials throughout our nation’s capital.

Bridging the Gap continues to be a popular musical duo in the Washington Metropolitan Region and in their home state of West Virginia, performing in venues from school classrooms and private homes to concert halls and stadiums. Their humor and diverse repertoire have made a lasting impression on students at public and private schools and they continue to enjoy performing outreach programs as part of their professional concert schedule. In addition, they have become frequent guests of the “Millennium Stage” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and have appeared on the Jazz Series of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. In 2003 they released their highly anticipated debut album and will soon be entering the studio to record their second CD. In 2004, they were honored by their home state when each received the Music Award by the Arts and Humanities Commission of Fairmont, West Virginia in recognition of their “outstanding leadership and devotion to the enhancement of the arts.”

Wilson and Clay grew up less than 30 miles apart in West Virginia but met only when their careers coincided in the Marine Band. They formed their violin/double bass duo primarily as a means to educate school children about opportunities in the Marine Band while entertaining them through unique musical arrangements and humor. This musical “experiment” quickly evolved along with their repertoire and now, in addition to their concert schedule, they provide post-luncheon and after-dinner entertainment for the President, members of the Cabinet as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 2005, they were a featured act during the week of Inauguration as part of the “Salute to Those Who Serve” celebration held at the MCI Center, where they received a standing ovation from the 14,000 military and public safety personnel in attendance.

Wilson and Clay seek to take their audience on a musical journey without stylistic boundaries while expanding the traditional perspective of the violin and double bass. They further make an effort to bring together their different ethnic and musical backgrounds while presenting music that is both entertaining and educational. Their humor, sensitivity, and diverse repertoire, have made a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. Ultimately, Bridging the Gap enjoys connecting with audiences and bringing people together through music.

“I liked the balance of work and fun, and how the instructors were funny.” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2018 Participant

“I loved that the kids were treated as professionals!” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2018 Parent

“I had the opportunity to play in the best orchestra I have ever been in.” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2017 Participant

“My favorite part was the chamber groups, and the conductor had fantastic energy and enthusiasm!” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2017 Participant

“Ms. Jackson was a great conductor and the cello sectional was amazing.” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2017 Participant

“I was impressed by how much they taught us in such little time.” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2017 Participant

“I enjoyed the rigor…the challenge…and the inspiration to stretch to be a better musician. The music choices were great!” – Ovations Summer Strings Academy 2017 Participant