Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week was the second annual Cedar Vista Cello Camp. Like last year’s camp this year’s was superb. There were nineteen cellists in attendance this year, up from 15 last year.
Last year we heard performances of the first three Bach Cello Suites and this year we heard numbers 4, 5, and 6.
This year the technique focus was on scales and arpeggios and why they are important. The visiting cello professor, Dr. Karen Becker, showed us several scale related exercises including one-finger scales and a 5-note arpeggio that can be played over and over, starting a half step higher each repetition. Both of these will be excellent exercises for me to improve my shifting accuracy and my intonation.
She also showed us some good vibrato exercises which were very timely for me as I need to work on developing my vibrato.
As a cello orchestra we played several arrangements including Gavotte from Sixth Suite by J. S. Bach, Alma Redemptoris Mater by G. P. da Palestrina, Now the Day is Over by Haydn, and cello orchestra arrangements of May Song and French Folk Song.
Each student also had a chance to perform a recital piece.
It was a great cello camp. It left me invigorated and wanting to play more.
In just three weeks my teacher is hosting the first of two music camps aimed at young students playing in orchestras. I am in the process of signing up as it will be a good lead in for my orchestra experience starting in late August.