It’s been a busy day at the 2012 Music for All Summer Symposium! I had hoped to blog a bit earlier today, but with registration and our Opening Session for camp participants, today kept not only our campers but also our staff busy as well.
Today was the first full day of Symposium, and I started my day at registration. As I walked to the registration room at Park Hall around 7:30 this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see that a line of students was already winding around the corridor, ready to get started with their day. When the registration doors opened, students were greeted with a wall of applause from the SWAG Team. SWAGs gave students a warm welcome and helped them get registered for the week.
After hanging out in the registration room for a bit, I decided to walk to the front of Park Hall where the MFA info table was located today. I was surprised to see Leadership Weekend Experience students lined up and welcoming the full week campers with applause, high fives and handshakes. It was truly wonderful to see how welcoming the students were, and it shows the leadership lessons they learned this past weekend.
Before I knew it, it was time for the Opening Session. Students heard performances from Yamaha Young Performing Artists Jazz Winners to start things off. Kevin Sun, Jazz Tenor Saxophone; Josh Shpak, Jazz Trumpet; and Chase Morrin, Jazz Piano performed at the beginning of Opening Session.
After this fantastic performance, students were introduced to Norm Ruebling (Camp Director), Jamie Weaver (Camp Director of the SWAG Team), David Starnes (Educational Consultant for Music for All and Camp Director), Gary Markham (Senior Educational Consultant for Music for All and Camp Director), William Galvin (Music for All Educational Consultant), Dean Westman (Orchestra Division Coordinator), Stan Schoonover (Music for All Educational Consultant), Bob Buckner (Director of the 2013 BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses® Parade), Fran Kick (Leadership Division Coordinator), Dr. Tom Caneva (Concert Band Division Coordinator), the Camp Medical Team, and Eric Martin (President and CEO of Music for All). The SWAG Team also contributed some helpful tips about staying energized, hydrated, well-rested and sunscreened up for the week!
After the Opening Session, students began their classes. Admittedly, I had to assist with some tasks in our headquarters and around campus this afternoon so I didn’t get to attend any full sessions. However, as I walked around campus today, it was wonderful to see activity around every corner as students attended their sessions. I look forward to attending sessions this week so I can fill you in on what students are learning.
After classes tonight, students attended the Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) concert. The Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program (YYPA) recognizes outstanding young musicians from the world of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Winners of this competition were invited to attend an all-expense-paid weekend awards ceremony at the Summer Symposium, receive a once in a lifetime performance opportunity in front of thousands, national press coverage, receive a recording and photos of the live performance, and participate in workshops designed to launch a professional music career. Winners also enjoy many of the privileges of a Yamaha artist, including services and communication with Yamaha’s Artist Relations department. Finalist performances and a selection of one winner occurred at this evening’s concert.
I’m eager to see what else this week has in store and attend some sessions tomorrow. Summer Symposium is off to a great start!
Musically,
Kristin
