July 2011 – Musique et Aventure 2011

Musique et Aventure 2011

July 24th-31st 2011

This year marked the fifth anniversary of Musique et Aventure, the academy’s summer music course for children aged 10-17.  The course attracted forty students again this year, and as always the large body of local children was joined by various students from the UK, Guernsey and France.  

Musique…
Each morning music tuition took place at the academy, and as well as each student having an individual one-to-one lesson each day, there were a variety of duos, trios, small ensembles and larger chamber orchestras created.  The teaching faculty of nine teachers from Jersey, the UK and France enjoyed greatly the hard work and commitment demonstrated by all students, many of whom learnt entirely new repertoire over the course of the week.  These intensive mornings of music led towards the Grande Finale concert in which all the students performed in front of a large audience of family and friends:

…et Aventure!

As well as the musical side of the course, each afternoon also gave students the opportunity to enjoy various activities, and this year we were blessed with some glorious sunshine!  The first activity was an afternoon at Jersey Adventure Golf, with the students competing in teams of 4-6.  Some of the holes were ridiculously challenging, and many (including the teachers it has to be said!) were hitting double figures on the score sheet!

A sunny afternoon at St Ouen’s Bay gave the group the chance to have a surfing lesson with the Jersey Surf School, and whilst not everyone managed to stand up fully there was a general concensus in that it was more fun to either lie down or kneel!

The amphibious Duck Boats took the group, along with their instruments, to Elizabeth Castle for a Castle Concert al-fresco on the castle’s Parade Grounds.  The concert provided a platform for string and wind players, and various members of the teaching faculty also performed.  An enthusiastic audience of families and holidaymakers enjoyed the concert, and we would like to give our thanks to Jersey Heritage for allowing us to perform in such a special location.

The final afternoons gave the students free time to enjoy lawn games at Chateau Vermont, and for many a quite time to do some extra practice in preparation for the final concert.

Thank You
Our congratulations go to all the participating students for all their hard work and commitment, and to all the parents and teachers for helping to make this week such a special occassion which has now become a vital part of many children’s summer holidays.  Our thanks also go to the Jersey Arts Trust for their continued support of Musique et Aventure.

Visit www.musiqueetaventure.com for further information on the course.