Professional Groups and Speakers Enhance Summer Music Programs at Community Music School

Summer music programs at the Community Music School (CMS) are always a busy and exciting time. Performances and visits from professionals and guest speakers/clinicians are an added bonus. This summer, several groups performed for the students, faculty and staff of the CMS.

On June 16, the St. Louis String Collective conducted a string workshop for more than 100 students in String Orchestra Camp and an additional 36 students in the Chamber Music Encounter. The St. Louis String Collective showcased a variety of string styles and genres, such as jazz, blues, rock, American and global folk traditions.  This ensemble promotes techniques and styles outside of the traditional classical method, along with the belief that learning a variety of musical styles and traditions cultivates compassion and curiosity.

On June 22, a New Orleans-style brass band from the 135th Army Band, the HeatCats, performed a repertoire of jazz/pop hits, including “Do What You Wanna,” “Superstition,” and “Killing Me Softly.” While taking questions from the students, band members stressed the value of life-long participation in music and the satisfaction that comes from playing music into adulthood, without necessarily making it their full-time career.

On June 24, band camp students experienced the unique sounds of Trio Monkapotamus, a percussion trio based in St. Louis. Members Kevin Gianino, Erin Elstner, and Sebastian Buhts introduced multiple instruments like the cabasa, tabla drums, and glockenspiel. They played a unique piece using found instruments like flowerpots, metal bowls, aluminum pipes and glass bottles. Trio Monkapotamus focused their remarks on the importance of exploring diverse ways to make sound on whatever instrument a student plays, the value of gathering in small groups to “jam,” and the freedom of improvisation.

The Summer Composition Intensive will host three guests as part of the two-week program in July. Christopher Stark from Washington University will be this summer’s guest composer. Lance Garger is an accompanist with the Webster University Dance Department and will work with students as a rhythm specialist. Zach Fendelman, co-owner of Fat Bard, a St. Louis-based audio duo that produces highly stylized music and sound design, will act as music for video games specialist.

“We are so grateful to have these incredible professionals share their experience and passion with our students,” said CMS Director Nicole Springer. “The Community Music School certainly benefits from our prestigious faculty who bring in their colleagues to expand on topics of interest and value to these young musicians.”