A Summer of Music and Growth

A Summer of Music and Growth: Praise’s Wisconsin Experience

This summer, SOUNDS Academy student Praise had the opportunity to take her viola playing to the next level at Madeleine Island Chamber Music in Wisconsin.

Thanks to the Keith R. Johnson Summer Scholarship, made possible through the support of SOUNDS Academy and Arizona Musicfest, Praise spent three weeks immersed in chamber music, learning from accomplished musicians and collaborating with students from around the world.

The scholarship helps SOUNDS Academy students in seventh through tenth grades attend summer music camps across the country. For Praise, the opportunity to attend Madeleine Island Chamber Music Camp was the perfect fit.

“I had a friend who went last year, and they had a great experience. I really enjoy chamber music more than large-scale orchestra. So this was my jam,” she said

Learning From the Best

Praise received solo instruction and chamber music coaching from a different instructor each week. Her coaches were professional musicians from Vanderbilt University and the Brooklyn Rider Quartet. They brought new perspectives and techniques to her playing.

She improved her bow distribution, tone, and musical expression while spending several hours each day practicing and rehearsing with her chamber group. The quartet also performed a movement from their piece each Saturday, putting their lessons into practice.

Putting Teamwork and Perseverance Into Practice

Praise used the SOUNDS Academy character value of Teamwork the most. “It was a chamber music camp, so I had to use it when working with my group,” she said. 

But working together wasn’t always easy. The students had never met before, so building trust and becoming comfortable with one another took time. “The first week really took perseverance because we weren’t comfortable with each other. I felt like it was really important for us to persevere, not hate each other, and get comfortable,” she said.

Their progress was evident by the final performance. What started as a group focused primarily on playing the correct notes became an ensemble that communicated, understood one another, and genuinely enjoyed making music together.

The experience taught Praise that successful chamber music requires listening, communication, and a willingness to work together.

Bringing It All Back to SOUNDS
Some of Praise’s favorite memories happened outside of rehearsals. She enjoyed visiting the beach, spending time with her roommates, and going cliff jumping while watching the sunset on the final day. She and the girls from her cottage even created a group chat and continue to keep in touch!

Now, Praise is looking forward to bringing her new skills back to SOUNDS Academy, particularly as a member of The Collective.

“I know that I’m going to be in The Collective, so by using skills that I learned in camp not only for music, but for communicating and being a leader, I can help other people who aren’t as comfortable with their music.”

Through this experience, Praise returned with improved musical skills, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of teamwork and leadership. Thank you to the support of AZMusicFest for making her experience possible. We’re excited to see how she puts everything she learned into practice this year.

Congratulations, Praise!