“In many ways, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Fall Camp resembles any other camp for kids,” writes Lynn Martin in Tuesday’s (9/7) Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL). “There are campers in T-shirts and shorts, games and high jinks … and even a singalong with a banjo. What sets this annual three-day camp apart … is a serious focus on rich and rewarding music and a willingness on the part of the campers to make meaningful connections with one another to improve orchestral performance.… Matthew Sheppard, artistic director [explained] that this year’s seasonal theme is entitled ‘Flipped.’ The first concert on Nov. 7 is called ‘Negative Spaces.’ Camp activities over the weekend had students noticing both of those themes with real-life applications and in the music they played. Students in grade five through college in four orchestras began preparing the music weeks in advance. Fall Camp weekend, held Aug. 27-29 … was the first time the students rehearsed together in their full ensembles after a season and a half of social distancing and virtual performances. ‘After practicing alone and playing in smaller groups, it’s really exciting to play music together as a full orchestra,’ said Oscar Garcia, age 17, from Elgin.”
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