Priory Farm Music Camp: Maya (9)

On the first day at Priory Farm Music Camp I got to meet the other children in my chamber group. I was in a quintet with 3 violins and 2 cellos. We were called ‘Swishy Swishy‘ because of something written in one of the parts. Our tutor was Nadia and she was very friendly and helpful. Our piece was ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’  which we were introduced to on our first day. To start with we just clapped the rhythms of the first phrase. 

By the second day we were beginning to play our parts. At the opening the first violin played the tune whilst I played a pizzicato accompaniment with the other violin part. We practised them separately and together. This really helped us hear and understand all the different parts. Later in the piece I got to play the melody and the others accompanied me. I noticed it was easier to play the tune than the accompaniment. Everyone got to play the tune at some point because it was a really good arrangement.

By day three we could play the piece through but still had time to practise and improve it ready to perform it on Saturday in the concert (day 6).

I really enjoyed preparing and performing a piece in a small ensemble. I can now play more confidently with other people.

As well as playing with the quintet I also sang with a choir and played in an orchestra performing arrangements of Finlandia and Break Time Boogie which I really enjoyed. 

We also got to do fun things like splashing in the river, climbing trees and toasting marshmallows and of course camping. 

Thank you to the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund for helping me go to Priory Farm Music Camp. I had such a great time.

Maya (violin), age 9