Cellos Galore - ISSI Camp 2006

Cello Camp was held this week at Jordan High School. There were more than 800 string instrument players and the Knecht Family contributed three of them. This is the third year for both Emilie and Hans...but Zander's first year. It is not only Cello but Bass, Violin and Viola as well. They have students that come from all over the world. Zander had a little boy who's dad is in the Foreign Service and they come from China every year. There were students from Singapore and Japan as well.

During the course of the week they have classes for 5 hours a day. They have a 'technique' class...a 'master class;' a group class and an enrichment class {Zander and Emilie} as well as Orchestra. You can see different things in the pictures we have attached.

Hans' orchestra class played 'Can Can' and 'Tropical Serenade' for their performance on Friday to a standing ovation by all that were in there. Zander came in and did the 'Can Can' along with another younger boy. We were missing Ricky Ricardo and others for the 'Tropical Serenade' and lots of 'Can Can' girls for the Can Can.

During the hour right after lunch they have 'assemblies' where different performances take place. Today was the 'Cello and Bass' recitals and each of the 'Group' classes got to get up on stage and perform one of the pieces that they had worked on during the week.








Zander was holding his cello quietly and properly whilst waiting for another class to show their stuff before he could.

Finally it was Zander's turn to play. They played two songs in their class and then 100+ cellos all played four songs. It was cool to hear.

Below you can see Emilie with a ballon in her string hand, being blown up by 'Dr. Beth' her Master Teacher, who also taught Zander's Group' lesson. That ballon makes her grip proper on the strings. It keeps the 'Tunnel' open and allows for her to move her hand properly on the strings to reach the correct notes.


Below Zander is playing for his 'Master Teacher' the beginning of each of the songs he knows. He was keeping his Dinasour in place and his shoulder down. Some of the hardest things from Zander to do.

In the picture below you see the Bass player from Hans' Orchestra class. That is Christian Hales, Jan Hilton's Grandson. This group played the Can Can at 208...the fastest they could get and Mrs. Willey was a hoot. She was the one directing above. I was actually able to capture her without blurs. She was moving fast and had a blast.
You see here Emilie and Zander's entire Orchestra group and their teacher. Her husband actually served mission in Sweden many years ago. Zander and Emilie learned 'Mamma's Little Baby' as well as other fun songs. These kids are from the 1st Grade through those that completed the Fourth. Tiny Tiny violins and Cellos bigger than some of the Violin players in the class.

Their teacher first saw a cello when she was in the First Grade and she has not stopped 'loving to play it since.'
Even JoJo went every day...but she was dropped off at Day Care there. We would leave the house at 745 AM and get home by 7 PM at night. It was a long adventure for all involved...but well worth it. The kids had a blast...and did great. Now we can rest from the Cello's for a day or two until lessons next week.

The Family VonKnechts!!!!!!!!!!!