A Senior School Music Camp Rhapsody
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!
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
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land 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.
(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.
