This summer it was Chloe’s first experience in a Suzuki summer institute as a participating student. For the past 3 years, she simply tagged along with her older brother Caleb taking singing and yoga lessons! Last year she saw a 4 year old girl playing cello on stage and she’s been asking for lessons since. By July, she’s taken two semesters of cello lessons with Miss Sandra and was so excited when she learnt that she’d be in an orchestra, take master & group classes everyday for five days!!
Although we have been Suzuki parents for seven years with Caleb on his violin and just a year with Chloe on the cello, we never stop marvelling at how much they learn and enjoy in these summer institutes. For Chloe, this has been especially true. First, she picked up her bow and started using it after her teacher taught her a few techniques. Before that she’s been doing pizzacato.
Second, she was given music just like everyone else in an orchestra with a very short stand – while she did open strings during most of the song – she felt really empowered that she was part of a much bigger group creating amazing sounds in the orchestra. Last but not least, she got to perform with everyone on stage on the last day wearing the Suzuki camp shirt – she couldn’t be happier!
Many parents over the years asked us if we are worried about other teachers undermining what our home teacher has taught our kids in HK. We’ve consistently found that the opposite is true – they have simply reinforced what we’ve learnt – the importance of posture, the significance of a bow hold, the ability to create a beautiful tone and much more – these very fundamental Suzuki values which we hear week in week out – we hear time and time again from all the teachers in the US. The best thing was that in the two weeks while we were on holiday in Canada, Chloe picked up the cello and played with her bow every morning after breakfast – and insisted that we give her a proper applause after her Song of the wind. Also inspired by older kids doing a recital on the last day!
Perhaps most importantly, it was the new friendships we’ve made in these institutes that are so special. This year, Chloe met Anne whose parents teach music at the University. The two girls were inseparable for 3 days – holding hands going from class to class, playing pretend with their dolls on the grassy areas, even swimming together in the university pool. On the last day, they hugged so hard saying goodbye to each other that they wouldn’t let go…until we promised we’ll be back next year! And we will!