Thirteen students from John Gray High School have returned home this week after attending the String Orchestra Camp at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
The students, consisting of eight violinists, three cellists, a double bass player and a viola player, are part of the Cayman Arts Festival’s junior instrumental programme. The camp provided them an opportunity to broaden their horizons and enhance their musical skills.
The trip, held 15-22 June, was spearheaded by the head of Cayman Arts Festival’s strings programme, Frances McConvey, and sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture and Cayman Arts Festival.
“Our students had a unique opportunity to share their talents with other passionate young musicians from the USA and beyond,” McConvey told the Cayman Compass. “This was a fantastic learning experience for our students, most of whom had never performed in such a large orchestra or in a professional concert hall.”
She said the young musicians lived in student dorms and adapted to campus life, adding it was “great preparation for college years in the future”.
During the weeklong camp, students were engaged with rehearsals for both ensembles and orchestras with a focus on folk fiddling, conducting and steel pan. The camp culminated with students performing in two well-attended public concerts in the university’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
‘An unforgettable experience’
Student Makennah Wright said the camp was “really an amazing and unforgettable experience”.
“I was able to make new friends and really connect with them because playing string instruments is something we have in common. Additionally, at the FSU Camp, I learned how to tune my own violin and how important paying attention to the conductor is, especially while playing,” she said.
“I was able to improve my playing by sight reading new pieces and learning to play them quite well. One of my favourite things at camp was getting to make new friends and just really being able to relate to them during that week.”
Viola player Zaiden Doctor spoke about the impact of being surrounded by talented musicians and inspiring instructors who pushed him to grow both technically and musically.
“The rehearsals were challenging in the best way, and the performance opportunities were exciting and memorable. I especially appreciated the welcoming environment and how everyone — students and faculty — shared the same passion for music. The camp not only helped me improve my skills, but [it] also deepened my love for the viola and ensemble playing.”
For Sophee Psalm, attending the camp was an “inspiring experience”.
“I learned new skills like bow control, chopping, fiddling, being independent and resilient. The camp helped me appreciate more about string instruments, especially violin, and [made me] determined in working harder to become a better violinist,” she said.
“Also, being in the big stage of FSU with a remarkable conductor was a great experience and an honour to represent where we came from. And lastly, playing music with our teachers and with other campers from different places was an amazing and memorable experience that I will forever treasure.”
This was the second time Cayman Arts Festival has arranged for students to attend the summer String Orchestra Camp at Florida State University. Second-time camp attendee Jada-Kae Lawrence said this year’s experience was even more amazing than last year.
“Last year’s camp inspired me to practice more and hone my skills with my instrument. This resulted in me getting a higher placement in the orchestra this year,” she said.
“The camp instructors were talented and inspirational. While the pieces were challenging, they brought out the best in us. I now have a deeper appreciation for music and my cello. I have made memories to last a lifetime and know that I will play the cello way into the future.”
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