Summer Orchestra Adult Retreat

by Kim Dejewski

As an adult music learner, I decided that I would like to try a String summer camp, to help advance my cello playing skills and technique. Having travelled to the

Valhalla area in BC over numerous summers, I thought this would be the ideal place to learn and to vacation!

I registered for the Summer Orchestra Adult Retreat for beginner to intermediate string players, and quickly questioned my decision after receiving the music. I

think of myself as a higher level beginner, but definitely felt that some of the music was way above my abilities. My teacher, who always encourages me, assured me that I will be fine and that I will have FUN. (I was a little skeptical!)

I did have a chance to work on the music before the program started, which helped in so many ways. My challenges were many:

• Keeping track of several key signature and tempo changes in one piece

• Having never even played a B Flat Major scale, I needed to learn and remember that a double flat B, is just an A (what?? Lol)

• Syncopated rhythms

• Dynamics that I have never heard of, such as poco animato, and knowing what that should sound like

• Being introduced to music written with the Treble Clef, rather than the comfortable Bass Clef

• Navigating to 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th positions where I have no tapes

So, how did it go? Excellent

Did I master everything above? No, but I improved SO much

Was I pushed out of my comfort zone? Absolutely

Was my teacher right about having FUN? Yes, in so many ways.

I truly enjoyed learning and playing along with the very friendly instructors and participants. As well, in the afternoons, I hung out with my husband and friends; kayaking,swimming, and golfing in the beautiful Valhalla area.

Was there a moment of pure joy? Yes, when I learned to find the G note, on the Astring, in 5 th position, in a semi quick shift ��

Will I attend again? I would LOVE to!