Ayden, Camy, Emma W, Hanson and Linnea all had the opportunity to participate in the North American SAA/ASTA collocated Conference in San Francisco. After submitting an audition early in the fall term, Camy, Emma, Hanson and Linnea were selected to participate in the Early Music Ensemble. Ayden was selected to perform in the violin ensemble.

The Early Music Ensemble included string players, singers, and recorder players. Altogether, there were around 20-25 students who participated. They had a session with an expert on the baroque bow, as well as rehearsing their pieces for performance, having the opportunity to attend other sessions, and culminating in their own performance at the Friday morning keynote. One thing the host talked about at the Friday morning session was that this was likely the only place in the world where a performance by an Early Music Ensemble would be the “opening act” for a speaker who was an expert in AI and how it will impact musicians in the future.

Ayden’s successful audition allowed him to be part of a 30 member group of students who worked together to prepare to play the 3rd mvt. of Kabalevsky Concerto. His group also had several rehearsals together as well as the opportunity to attend other sessions before their performance on the Friday evening Keynote.

Here are some reflections of the students about their experiences:

~Ayden

This was an exciting opportunity to play in a music ensemble. First, an interesting musical aspect was how the group worked on playing the piece as telling a story, such as a gradual crescendo in a 16th note section leading to the climax of the piece, imagining trills as “sharks” or working on making the cadenza sound like a conversation. Next, I also enjoyed listening to other groups’ performances during the event. Lastly, I learnt how to play together as a large ensemble. For example, we worked on ending trills at the same time, and use bow divisions, dynamics and articulation to fit different sections of the piece. Outside of the conference, I enjoyed watching an NBA basketball game in person.

~ Camy

I think the most interesting musical aspect of the SAA conference was learning more about the baroque style in the Early Music Ensemble and getting to experiment with the baroque bows.

The best non-musical part was seeing everyone from HK again and exploring San Francisco.

Something I learned from this experience was how to use a baroque bow. I also learned more about working in a chamber group from a chamber masterclass.

Emma

In my opinion, the most interesting musical aspect of the experience was the masterclasses. It was very interesting to see kids around my age play and improve with the help of the masterclass teacher. The things discussed there were also applicable for me, which made the class not only educational for the students but also for me. 

The best non-musical part of the experience was being able to see my relatives who also came to the concert. 

Something I learnt was that violin strings actually used to be made out of pig intestines.

~ Hanson

The best musical aspect of this experience was using the baroque bows and playing in a baroque style. The way you held the bows and where you played in the bow were really different, and also generated a way more articulated sound. In terms of the playing, we played in a more flowy instead of articulated style, for example in the Bach double, we played the 8th notes more legato and musical, opposed to the articulated way we usually play it. I was also really amazed at how many different orchestras and students from around the world came together to form orchestras and chamber groups, as well as the many suzuki teachers that came to the conference. In this experience, I learnt a lot about music back in the baroque period and about the different instrument they used, such as the harpsichord and the recorder, and how they played those instruments. Outside of the conference, I enjoyed going on the zipline in Las Vegas.

~Linnea

I think the most interesting musical aspect of the experience was getting to learn more about the baroque style of music and also listening in on a chamber music masterclass.

The best non-musical aspect of this experience was becoming friends with my stand partner and exploring San Francisco.

Something I learned from this experience was how to use a baroque bow and different bowing styles.