The Tuning Up! Final Concert gives us an opportunity to put on display everything we work on throughout camp. Having the chance to play for our families and “show our stuff” brings some closure and recognition to a week of hard work (and play).

Most of you know this is my first year teaching in Boston after relocating from Utah in the Fall of 2010. Tuning Up! 2010 (which was its 10th year) was very bittersweet as it was my last hurrah before packing up and saying goodbye. After missing 2011 I wasn’t sure if I would bring it back, but I am so glad that I did. It affirms my belief that group is important. Playing with your peers is important. Having fun while making music is important. Yes, it is a lot of work on my side, but it is worth it.

Here are some of the pictures from the final concert. (When you click on them they get bigger…)

Our Twinkle Group was so lucky to have out of town visitors! It was so fun to have a bigger group and to work on posture, bow holds, Twinkles, and fiddle tunes. These guys did great and became great friends. I was excited to see them improve and work together to make beautiful music.

I can’t wait to see where they are next summer.

All in a row

A favorite

Where they put their violins when they are supposed to put them somewhere safe…

Figuring things out

Class Picture

Class picture #2: the silly version

And #3

It is so exciting for me to watch students who started playing violin with me last fall progress and improve. Every student in this group has moved through twinkle to the literature beyond it in the last year and they are doing so well.

We learned duets, practiced our ensemble skills, mastered several “new” tunes (including the classics Boil Them Cabbage Down and the French Folk Song), and reviewed. In addition to that we spent time getting to know each other and making friends. I can’t wait for group to start in the Fall!

Here they are again

A personal favorite

Such great posture!

Our Piano Group this year had 6 people in it–3 boys and 3 girls.

Each person prepared a solo and at least one duet to play on the final concert. Most of the duets were handed out the first day of camp which meant they had 4 days to learn their part, learn how to play it with someone else, and get it read to perform. To prepare, we practiced these each day along with counting exercises, rhythm exercises/games, note-reading, and ear training.  Overall I believe everyone had a great time.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the week.

Duets

Concentrating really hard

A fairly accurate class picture

I think they look happy

Resting

The Snake Charmer

Everyone's favorite part (besides treats)