Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra holds summer workshop

7/16/2010

For the Guardian

The Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra has just conducted its first Summer String Camp from June 21 to July 2 at the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk Hall. Martin Goldman, violist, violinist and president of the Suzuki Association of South Florida, designed and taught at the camp.

Goldman focused intensely with the older children each day firstly on technique and practice quality and outlines. This was followed by work on repertoire focusing on aiming higher and enhancing the emotion of the music.

The younger children, aged four to eleven, received more of an introduction to the violin with focus placed on fundamentals such as correct balance of the violin and 'the mysteries of the bow'.

"Without technique there cannot be art on any level. It's a discipline that, as the Suzuki method reminds us, is all about love and nurturing," Mr. Goldman told his young students.

Apart from instrument instruction, the younger children received instruction on everything from rhythm to reading notes and singing while the advanced children received instruction in theory.

Assisting Mr. Goldman were members of the Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra who are studying music at college.

Nathan Lightbourne ( cello, piano and flute), attends University in Chicago, while Donneicea Rahming and Nikia Adderley are both studying at The College of The Bahamas.

Upon completion of the summer Camp each student was presented with a certificate of participation.

"The camp was a great success," said Mr. Goldman. "Next year we hope to expand the camp to a larger venue and invite children from all over The Bahamas as well as Florida."

Source: The Nassau Guardian