Young Grittleton: Saya aged 15

I was able to go to Grittleton this summer, thanks to a bursary from Universal Edition and
JDCMF. I learnt so much about playing with other people, not just in time, but with the same
emotion and breathing. I was studying the first movement of the Schubert cello quintet,
which meant I had lots of melodies with other people. With my coaches and other people in
my group, we experimented with different bow speeds and phrasing, and learnt to follow
each other so we could make it more spontaneous. The tune is beautiful and so wonderful
to play with such a wonderful group.
The coaches were inspirational and all had differing strengths and personalities. This
allowed us to have a well-rounded performance. Unusually at this course we are fortunate
enough to have sight reading sessions with the coaches, allowing us to practise our sight
reading. I improved with my key signatures and rhythm reading. My counting isn't great so
by playing slow movements I practised my subdividing.
One of the most emotional moments of the course was when I was sight reading the Dvorak
American 2nd movement and Mandy, a coach, walked in and started crying because it was
so beautiful. I almost started crying too because it was such wonderful music and I was able
to share this moment with my best friends. I will never forget that sight-read and whenever
I hear the piece it brings me back to that moment, that piece, that room, Grittleton.
As one of the older and more experienced members of the course, I learnt leadership skills
too, especially in string orchestra. If I sat next to someone who hadn't done much orchestral
music before, I would lead them and tell them what bow stroke to use, if they hadn't
followed what the leader was doing. We played a Mozart symphony and it was interesting
because we worked in lots of detail on the dynamics and phrasing.
I am so grateful for everyone who has made this course possible for me, Universal Edition
and JDCMF for financial support, my teacher for opening my eyes to classical music, and my
parents for always supporting me.
Saya (15)