Lake Field Music Camp Has Something for Everyone
by Cherie Yurco
The only prerequisite for attending Lake Field Music Camp at Lakefield College School, near Peterborough, Ontario, is to be a recreational musician, or even wannabe musician, with a desire to learn. Offering classes for everyone from stark beginners to advanced recreational musicians of all ages, Lake Field Music is the perfect spot for the whole family to explore their music making abilities. Each participant can custom-select classes to suit their musical preferences and learning level.
Jazz Week, held July 31 through August 7 this year, allows musicians to brush up on their vocal or instrumental technique with expert musicians, join a small jazz combo directed by a pro, and jam with fine performers. They can work on skills like rhythm and improvisation, and play in the New Orleans Funk Band or sing in a gospel choir. Intermediate/advanced musicians can take classes like Blues Ensemble or Klezmer Group, while beginners can choose from Hand Drumming, Learn Guitar, and more.
August 7 to August 14 is this year’s Classical Week where participants can play great music from classical composers, while working in chamber groups, improving their technique with a master coach, or enhancing their orchestra, musical theater, or vocal techniques. More advanced students can choose from classes like Mastering Ornamentation in Baroque and Classical Music, Concert Band, or Piano Accompaniment. For beginners, there is Handbells, Fado—The Songs of Portugal, or World Woodwinds.
Aside from core jazz and classical curricula, participants from either session can choose from other world music courses such as Indo-Jazz Ensemble, Music of India, or Afro-Brazilian Drumming and Dances of Northeast Brazil. The fun continues in the evenings with performances by the participants and instructors.
Classes for children aged five to 12 run simultaneously, but separately from the adult classes. This gives parents with children the ability to focus on their own music during camp and still have a quality family vacation. Children are with their parents at meal times and during free time in the afternoon and evening. Their classes include drumming, singing, dancing, drama, and arts and crafts. Youth attendees (aged 13 to 18) take adult music classes at a reduced fee.
The camp is held on the beautiful and relaxing lakeside grounds of Lakefield College School near Peterborough, Ontario. Here, in addition to learning and working hard, you’ll play in ensembles, take part in drumming circles and sing, laugh, and relax outdoors by the lake with other campers. Meals and single or double occupancy rooms are available for the week.
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