Music … playing and teaching

The 2008 New Hampshire Independent School of Music summer day camp was once again a huge success. The camp had 26 students. I was blessed this year by being able to work closely with eleven of these fine musicians. I was honored to conducted two guitar groups with three guitarists in each, one guitar ensemble of seven guitarists, two students with DAI (discover an instrument) on cello, five DAI guitar, and three DAI on violin. The performance on Friday afternoon was wonderful and exciting for all the parents and friends of these fine musicians. Time and again I would hear someone say to me or one of the others teachers how amazed they were that we could put together such a fine concert in five days. Our humble response was unanimous, “it’s not just us … it’s those amazing kids.” We were treated to a great concert of vocalists, jazz groups, blues groups, classical piano and woodwind groups. The finale was the entire camp performing an audience participation tune called “Listen to the Rain”. You can check out the pictures at www.myspace.com/standupfclef I’m already looking forward to next years camp but first it’s time to prepare for the overnight camp on lake Winnipesaukee later this month.

Peace and good tunes to you, D. Patrick