Me and my CMC friends: Annie, me, LeAnne, Kelly, Jeff and Ashley
Me and my CMC friends: Annie, me, LeAnne, Kelly, Jeff and Ashley
.....I had a great time. The best part was that every person there was interested in music, which was a totally unique experience for me, and we all had a sort of bond holding us together. I have never met people as nice as the people there. I made new friends every day.
I took band, Alexander Techinique, Theory, flute choir, and had lessons twice a week. In addition I had a master class once a week and concerts almost nightly to which attendance was mandatory.
Three of my dreams came true that summer. 1 - seeing a real orchestra perform live. I got to watch the North Carolina Symphony perform not once but twice. 2 - playing in a flute choir and 3 - playing bass and alto flutes.
The things I learned and the people I met all added up and made this summer an unforgettable experience. Not only did I learn many things about music and flute, I learned a lot about life. There are people like me in this world and I am not the only one who cares about music. Other people practice too. I realized that the people who I have dealt with for years telling me I'm weird are just a few of the many people in this world. Basically, I have a whole new way of looking at things.
To inform you on the musical side of camp... the first day we all were auditioned and placed into 1-the orchestra 2-the wind ensemble or 3-the symphonic band. We took a theory test the second day and were placed in classes accordingly. Also available were jazz ensembles, flute choir, guitar class, piano class, percussion ensembles, Alexander technique, choir, women's choir and more. In addition each week we had either 1 hour long lesson or in my case, 2 half hour lessons.
This all went on from 8:00 - 5:00. We had breaks inbetween in which we could practice on the fourth floor. And we did. Our conductor always said "This needs to go to the fourth floor". When a major group, be it band, wind ensemble, or orchestra, dismissed, the elevators were mobbed with crowds of musicians carrying folding music stands, a pile of music and their instrument.
At 5:00 we went wherever we felt like going for dinner. Then some nights we had required concerts, usually 3-5 a week. We watched each other perform , faculy perform, the North Carolina Symphony perfom, Rythm and Brass as well. Optional concerts took place inbetween. I attended one with a group of flutists to see a flute perform with piano, and it was amazing.
If we had no concert, we were free to do... whatever. We could walk anywhere on King Street or on campus. Usually we would order pizza from Papa Johns or go downstairs in the dorm lobby and play cards. I learned a zillion new games, from a wild and insane hilarious game of Mau, aka "sheep game" to a weird and slightly demented Bambi Takes a Walk in the Woods. What can I say?
At 10:20 we had to be in our rooms, at 11:00 Lights out (well... they didn't always go out...) On Friday and Saturday this was extended to 11:20 and 12:00. Which brings me to the weekends. We could go anywhere - ride the AppalCart to the Boone mall, small as it was, walk downtown to King Street and eat, anything. Two days of total freedom and independence.
I learned to be more independent this summer. I learned to make decisions on my own. I learned to be myself and it gave me great training in making friends, when I moved I was experienced! :) I learned to be proud to be myself.
Memories, I have so many memories. Of band, flute choir, even theory. Some crazy things, like playing C#4 really loud while someone else played C4 or D4 really loud while waiting on flute choir to start. Friends, people, concerts, free time, long hours of doing nothing, busy days of doing everything. MAJOR lack of sleep! But sadly, as quickly as it began it ended. The last day I didn't want to leave. As I walked through the halls, now empty, that once were so full, so noisy, so full of life and people, and looked into the empty rooms with the bare beds and walls, it was so sad... we all ended up crying! It was like moving away from home..
I'll never forget my month long vacation into a small town called Boone that opened up my eyes to how big and diverse the world is. It was more than fun, I learned so much, and got so much out of being with people like me. I realized that I am one of many, not one alone. The memories will be with me forever.... and the things I've learned I'll never forget.... things about life, about music, about the flute... and about myself.
