Hi my name is Ann. I’m a young adult and I’ve played violin and more recently cello with Innominato-Strings for a number of years. In January this year I went with a fellow cellist, Dianne, to the Riverina Summer School for Strings in Wagga NSW. The School caters for all players of violin, viola, cello, double bass and guitar. Most people probably think band camps are for children but this was so much fun and I learnt a lot.
The Riverina Summer School for Strings went for seven days. Each morning we started with a half-hour special topic (e.g. vibrato, adult learners), followed by an orchestra rehearsal, sectionals for the different instrument sections, and then chamber music in the afternoon.
Professional Strings Tutors
Tutors were all professional musicians, including a number of players from major symphony orchestras around Australia and experienced at teaching adult learners and children. For those with a performance itch, lunch time concerts were held every day and all participants were encouraged to try the stage.
To top it off, we attended the local Sounds of Summer Concert Series every evening (except on Tuesday) where the tutors performed. On the last day, all school for strings participants performed the music they rehearsed during the week at the Wagga Town Hall. It was really music galore and a lovely holiday. Participants ranged from 6 to over 80 and from absolute beginners to beyond advanced (with ~80% of the students under 18 so this can be a family activity also). I know where I will be in Jan 2014.
More info can be found on:
www.riverinasummerstrings.com/
