Zoom camp in the books
Rick Hirsch
Last week was the 2nd Annual Fraser Street Saxophone Camp. And even though it was on the Zoom, it went great!
My young, enthusiastic teaching faculty did a fantastic job team-teaching the HS and older MS students (I taught the youngest MS students). And our special guests were a hit (more below).
Overview
» 20 students, aged 11-18, divided into 3 groups by age and experience
» 3 guest artists: Ian Hendrickson-Smith (the Roots!), Greg Johnson (SF), Kate Anderson (NY)
» 4 Assistant Teachers — homegrown kids who are now studying saxophone in college:
Alex Rothstein (studies with Steve Jordheim @ Lawrence U)
Shane McCandless (with Gary Keller @ U of Miami)
Jimmy O’Donnell (with Jim Umble @ Youngstown State)
Ian Brannan (with David Stambler @ Penn State)
» We focused exclusively on process over product, making the experience engaging and positive for the students. There was a lot of time for watching/listening and discussing music. We had engaging conversations on different aspects practicing. And our guest artists discussed everything from performing on live television, to effective embouchures, to being willing to fail in order to grow.
» We did our best to expose the students to all kinds of saxophone music, including Jazz, Classical, Ethnic, Pop/Rock, and beyond.
» We had a faculty solo concert and a rousing round of Saxophone Jeopardy!
» And, of course, there was camp swag, including the 2020 pandemic special edition COVID-19 mask
As much fun as this week was, we are all hopeful that in 2021 we will all be vaccinated from COVID-19 and will be able to hold the camp in person. Fingers crossed!
Send me a note if you’d like to be notified when the the 2021 camp begins enrolling.