What is Flourish Ensemble Camp?
4 days, 1.5 hour each day, masterclass-style camp plus an ending recital. During camp, students work together in duos, trios or quartets to rehearse a song together. Camp will include masterclass coaching from the teacher on the details of playing together, as well as time for individual groups to rehearse.
Each camp will have a max of 10 students .
See the performance recording from 2020 ensemble camp on our YouTube page!
Why play in ensembles?
#1 Music is more fun together. Not only do you get to play with friends (with new or old) … also the complexity and beauty of the music you can make is increased with more participants. The whole is more than the sum of the parts. It is one of the most musically satisfying activities to make music together.
#2 Learn really important musical skills that will improve your solo playing. In an ensemble, you have to stay in tempo and can’t stop if something goes wrong. You learn how to count better, to listen better, to keep going and stay together even when a mistake is made. All of these skills will make you a better solo musician as well.
#3 Cultivate empathy, listening and skills needed to work together well in a team. The key to a successful ensemble group is sensitivity and close listening to each other while still playing your own part. From the rehearsal process to the final performance, members have to work together.
Trio of Flourish students performing “Skyfall” by Adele
What kind of music will we play?
The sky is the limit when it comes to musical pairings and selections! Some examples we have had before:
- Guitar, Piano and Voice student who performed “Skyfall” by Adele
- Voice duet, performed “The Stepsister’s Lament” from Cinderella
- Cello, Violin and Piano student who performed “March” from Carmen by Bizet
- Piano and Voice student who performed “When I Ruled the World” by Coldplay
- Piano duet who performed “Linus and Lucy” from Peanuts
- Piano trio who performed the theme from the “Avengers”, and theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean”
- Custom group of 5 pianos, 1 cello and 1 violin all performing Ms. Joy’s arrangement of “Chopsticks”
We group students together based on who signs up for camp, keeping in mind their age/level and what music they like. Then we pick a piece of music and often arrange it in a custom manner for that specific group. (ie we write parts for each ensemble member)
If you have any requests (for partners and/or music selections) just let us know and we will do our best.
Students playing themes from “Avengers” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” have a face off!
What have some of the students said about camp?
- I got to play in a group of people for the first time
- I really enjoyed playing with my siblings 🙂
- It was really nice to play with other people. It also helped me to count better and give the whole notes 4 beats.
- I would love to do this more often!
- You get lots of time to practice
- It’s fun
- I learned a song and a half in 4 days
- It teaches you how to cooperate and play well with other musicians
- It’s really fun and you’ll learn a lot
- I liked my group and we had fun playing and fixing our piece. I also really liked the song we got to play.
Feedback collected from parents at our 2019 Ensemble Camp (which was called MusicTogether at that point)
A trio of siblings playing “March” from Bizet’s opera Carmen
What makes Flourish’s Ensemble Camp unique from other ensemble opportunities?
#1 Small ensembles. You may play or sing in a large ensemble at school (choir/orchestra/band etc). That can be a lot of fun. But you are one in many other musicians. In a small ensemble, you are a featured role in the group; your participation is an integral part of the success of the ensemble. Students have to rely on each other, rather than on an adult conductor or teacher.
#2 Varied instrument groupings. Because Flourish offers instruction in various instruments, you can potentially have a group that includes other instrument or voices.
#3 Rehearsal all happens at camp under teacher supervision; no need to arrange rehearsal times with other students outside of camp! We want to make this as easy on the parents as possible 🙂
I am a singer. Can I participate in ensemble camp?
YES! We have had vocal duets/trios before, as well as paired vocalists with pianists or guitarists. All voices and instruments can participate in ensemble camp!
I am a beginner. Can I participate in camp?
YES! All levels of students in our K-12 program can participate. Because we know each of our students personally, we will match the groups and arrange the pieces based on your level (so your part will be something you can play at your current level).
3 piano trio!
Why do I have to be enrolled in summer lessons at Flourish to participate?
For every student to have the best possible experience, each student needs to come to camp with their individual part already prepared and ready to play (so at camp we can work on the ensemble) When you are enrolled in lessons, your teacher can work with you over the summer to make sure you feel confident with your part going into camp.
For the same reason, we do ask when you sign up that you commit to attending all days of camp and the recital (barring unforeseen emergencies) – so that the other students in the group are not left stranded missing a partner. (ie every student plays a really integral role in their ensemble!)
However, if you end up becoming sick, we ask that you stay home instead. You will be eligible for a refund.
Pianist and Singer duo performing a “When I Ruled the World” by Coldplay at the recital
Is this camp refundable?
If you have to miss camp because of illness of any kind, you will be eligible for a full refund.
If we have to cancel camp for any reason, all participants will get a full refund.
What is the Cost?
Cost: $95
Discounted to $65 if you are also enrolled in a BookBlast or Jumpstart Camp AND summer lessons
DETAILS:
Ensemble Camp Dates in summer 2021 are August 2 – 5, Monday-Thursday
Times available:
| Session One: |
9 – 10:30am |
August 2 – 5 |
|
| Session Two: |
10:45am – 12:15pm |
|
August 2 – 5 |
| Session Three: |
12:30 – 2pm |
|
August 2 – 5 |
You will be asked to indicate ALL times you are available so we can make the best pairings. You will be assigned your session time after registration closes.
Remember, you MUST be enrolled in summer lessons at Flourish
Or go back to Summer Camps/Workshops page