My trips to Blue Lake!!

My Trips To Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp!!!

First time-Summer of '97
Well, last summer, I returned from a wonderful time at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Muskegon, Michigan. I was there to expand my education for my clarinet, and did just that. My technique teacher, Ann Marie Bingham, was an excellent teacher, and helped my to learn the full range of my instrument as well as help my sight-reading ability. The ensemble I was a part of was the Symphonic Band, the highest level band this session, with the exception of the 3 best clarinets who were in Symphonic Orchestra. Although I was second to last chair, the music was still difficult, yet extremly fun to play and listen to!! My conductor, Penny Daab, was also an excellent teacher, and very pleasent to be around!!

Other than "band life",I also had a blast with all my friends in my cabin, and my counselor Maggy. Other than the intense rehearsals, I hung out with friends, went up to main camp to talk, went to the pool, and relaxed. I didn't have a whole lot of free time, but there was an occasional hour here and there!!


Second time-Summer of '98

This summer was better than the last one! Once again, I was in the Symphonic Band, but rather than close to last, I was first chair! It's nice to know that over the course of a year, one can improve so dramatically! My technique teacher this year was J.D. Parr, the clarinet professor at Baker University in Kansas. He is an excellent teather that helped me a great deal in just the two weeks I attended. And because I was in the Symphonic Band again, Ms. Daab was once again my conductor. It was nice to be able to see her again, and hopefully I will see her again next year, as she is teaching session 2 again.

When I wasn't in 5 hours of rehearsal, I hung around with my cabinmates and councillor who essentially became sisters of mine. If you were in my cabin, drop me a line!


Third time-Summer of '99

This year was my first time at a high school session rather than an intermediate session, and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised! I once again was in the highest level band, this time the Wind Ensemble, and was 6th chair out of the 18 member section. We played a lot of classic band pieces, including Holst's First Suite in Eb, which is now one of my favorite pieces! Our conductor, Mr. Thomson, was one of the most dedicated and tallented I've had the oppertunity to work with. My technique classes were once again with Mr. Parr. I decided to audition for Internationals this year as well, but this year was successful! My next entry for Blue Lake will be in regards to the International Symphony Band with which I will be a member during the summer of '00!




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