A Senior School Music Camp Rhapsody

Julia Garbe, Grade 11
On Thursday, September 24, 47 committed members of The Country Day School Senior Music Groups boarded the bus to travel to the legendary, annual Glen Bernard Music Camp for a phenomenal four days. They were not disappointed!

The CDS Music Camp experience began with a warm welcome from hospitable camp owner and director, Jocelyn Palm, before students got to explore their new home for the next few days. They were thrilled to discover a boundless assortment of facilities: nostalgic see-saws and swings, kayaks and canoes, high ropes and rock climbing walls, tennis courts, stilts and hulahoops, and one particularly celebrated giant inflatable red ball.

The fun continued outside of free time as students gathered in the lodge to meet their esteemed guest conductor, Colin Clarke, who imparted his knowledge with outrageous hilarity. Once the enlightened young musicians had laughed their way through rehearsal, it was time to meet their specialized instrumental clinicians; all professionals who had mastered their musical talents and were enthusiastic to share their expertise. Those in choir met Alex Samaras, a zealous instructor and singer always prepared with amusing and illuminating exercises to allow students’ voices to soar to a higher level than they ever could have dreamed. In fact, the choir room proved so alluring that even those not in choir joined in on the clinics, leaving with huge smiles and a few pointers in mind.

After an inspiring day of success, the hungry bellies of hard-working students were filled with homemade meals crafted with care by the generous Glen Bernard Camp staff. Three birthdays were celebrated with songs, cheer, and, of course, a delicious cake. Reinvigorated, campers were divided into four groups (Red, Blue, Green and Yellow) to participate in comical competitive activities to determine who could fit the most Cheetos on a teammate’s shaving-cream-coated head, who could knock over the most clothespins with marbles led through a pool noodle, and who could sing the most creative cheer.

A definite highlight of the trip would have to be the talent show. Students and instructors alike amazed each other with their stunning musical dexterity. Among the instruments played with breathtaking ability were guitar, ukulele, violin, piano and woodblock. The bash concluded with an iconic performance by school rock band Jump the River. Applause and laughter sounded throughout the camp. Thus, it is so that another triumphant year at Music Camp draws to a close.

Though it lasted only four days, any student would agree that this trip has generated enough memories for a lifetime. A huge thank-you to the staff and chaperones who gave their time to facilitate this amazing experience: Mrs. Promane, Mr. Chong, Ms. Roszell, Mrs. Romanowich, Mrs. Baird, Mrs. Lee, Mr. Nugent, Mr. Marchessault and Mr. Hofstetter. Long live Music Camp!

by Julia Garbe, Grade 11
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Land Acknowledgment

CDS wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. For thousands of years, these have been the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples who also shared this land.  CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for these lands and waters for future generations.

School Information

13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5 
(905) 833-1220 

communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca

Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.