Arpeggione Senior: Chloe (14)

Huge thanks to the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund for supporting me to attend Senior Arpeggione this August! 

The course helped me to improve my communication skills. For example, in a passage in my Mendelssohn Octet chamber piece it was mainly triplets, so I had to communicate a lot with other players with the beats, as well as the players with similar parts to me. 

In my other chamber piece, Hymnus for 12 violas, I was second viola. I have usually been on one of the lower parts, so it was a fun and new experience for me to play a higher part. However, I did find it a bit hard to play together as there were many parts playing at the same time!  So, it certainly helped me to learn to listen more. 

I really enjoyed both of my chamber groups but I think I preferred the Mendelssohn more, as I like it better and it was challenging yet fun. 

The mentors on the course also gave us advice during our sessions that I can take into my personal practice.

I was able to challenge myself and practise many of my chamber music skills whilst having an amazing time on this course, and none of it would have been possible without the help of the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund. Huge thanks again!

Chloe (viola), age 14