July 7/10: Low Sun

July 7/10: Low Sun, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I started coming to CAMMAC in 1988 when my children were small. During morning classes there is a children’s programme for children from 4 ½ to 11. They do some musical activities (Orff, choir, recorder, the possibility of chamber music) as well as other activities – sports, swimming and a variety depending on the staff that week. It can be anything from woodworking, arts and crafts, folk dance or other forms of dance. During evening classes the children have some kind of game activity. This was part of why this was an ideal vacation for me. While I enjoyed my music classes, my children had fun, made friends (some of whom they still are in touch with) and had the opportunity to learn something new.

I, too, have made lifelong friends. Each year when I come back, it is like coming back to family and new people find their way in. After one season at CAMMAC they are part of this extended family. s

Situated about 1 ½ hours from Montreal, CAMMAC attracts both English and French speaking people. Participants come from all over Quebec, Ontario, other parts of Canada, the US and some have come from as far away as South Africa and Japan. People move in and out of English and French (but unilingual people can manage while having the opportunity to learn a bit of the other language) and range in age from the very young to seniors. Music keeps us all young. No one cares what people do for a living – just about what we all live for – the joy of music.

Despite the busy schedule there is always time for good conversations – over meals, which can be eaten in the dining room or outside on the porch. With afternoons free, it is delightful to play music with others or just chat – this week in the lake as we all try to cool off. But even the lake is warming up and each day is slightly less refreshing. You have to swim further out to find the cold spots..

The bugs are hungry this time of year, too. Going for an early morning or evening walk can feel like being the buffet table for the local insects.

To see more photographs click here.

July 6/10: Evening

July 6/10: Evening, originally uploaded by susanvg.

We are grappling with the heat – fans are on in most places and the main concert hall is air conditioned. Bedrooms are like steam rooms – thank goodness for fans. A dip in the lake provides temporary relief but the high heat and humidity soon are felt and the feeling of coolness quickly past. Classes go on and we laugh, play music and make new friends.

Many classes take place in practice huts in the woods, with windows on three sides. It is wonderful to play and look out on the trees . This year I have no classes in those studios, which in one way is good as they are getting very hot. My classes are in studios in the basement of the main lodge. The atmosphere may be less interesting, but the temperature counts for a lot this week.

Tuesday night is always a student concert with everything from singing to instrumental work and some energetic drumming by some of the teenagers.

July 5/10: Early Morning

July 5/10: Early Morning, originally uploaded by susanvg.

What is a day like at CAMMAC? It is not for those who want a restful vacation –stimulating, fun, musical and full of friendship, but not relaxing.

At 7:00 am one of the participants (self-selected) goes around and plays a bit of music to wake people up. By 7:00 we are lined up to get our breakfast in the cafeteria. Food is basic, but OK. At 8:20 announcements are made along with a 5 minute concert by participants. By 8:30 it’s time for classes – 3 classes of 1 ¼ hours each morning with a break for snacks. I joined two different advanced recorder groups. My third class is a small ensemble with 4 recorders, bassoon and harpsichord. We worked our way through some easy and some challenging music. All takes place with a sense of humour and friendship.

After lunch is quiet hour – a badly needed hiatus in the day with no music or talking. By three, people may choose to take part in a music appreciation class (this year I’ll drop in on the history of Christophe Graupner). Then I’ll be playing music with friends. Many people spend time at the lake – a must in this hot weather. It’s about 31C (almost 88F) here and more hot weather is predicted for most of the week.

Supper is followed by another class – either choir or an instrumental ensemble. Then each evening there is a different activity. Tonight it is dancing – not sure if the focus will be Renaissance dances or country dances. One year we had a power failure and the dance (accompanied by live music) took place by candlelight – so fitting for the era. After the evening activity there is another snack and then quiet by 11:00. Those who still have energy (I’m not sure how) congregate in one of the basement rooms and play quiet games like scrabble.

It may sound exhausting, but for me it is also energizing – with new musical discoveries, a week by a lake and time for friendship.

I do apologize to my fellow bloggers. Between the heavy schedule and the very poor and unstable internet connection – I’m lucky if I post much less comment on other people’s photos and writing. It will be that kind of summer with the adventures I have planned.

July 4/10: Lake Macdonald

July 4/10: Lake Macdonald, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Even the sight of a lake makes me feel cooler. The summer heat has even reached cottage country. Loading my car and then unloading the many bags of clothing, instruments, music, computer, cameras.... was like going on a major trek - no porters available.

But now I have my room, with the air circulating with the help of a large fan and with the work of putting things away finished, I am practising the art of slow motion.

There is something about CAMMAC - each time I turn off the highway (a secondary road) onto the road that leads to CAMMAC I can feel my stress dissipate. So for a week young children to seniors, English speakers and French speakers live together to make music and enjoy what the countryside has to offer. We have registered for our classes - tomorrow we begin in earnest.

July 3/10: Outdoor Dining

July 3/10: Outdoor Dining, originally uploaded by susanvg.

"Dining is and always was a great artistic opportunity."
Frank Lloyd Wright

Dinner in a lovely garden with flowers artfully arranged on tables, good food, good company, beautiful surroundings. A picture perfect way to spend an evening - at my neighbour's. A beautifully set table, some chilled wine added to the mix.

What is it about eating outside that makes a meal feel different? Gentle breezes made a hot evening comfortable. The sounds of birds added atmosphere. Conversation wended through travel plans, past voyages - gentle topics to complement the summer evening. As the sky faded, candlelight added a warm glow. Outdoor dining - the world slows down just for a while.

July 2/10: New Orchid

July 2/10: New Orchid, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Two new orchids joined my indoor garden. My daughter knows how much I enjoy these flowers and surprised me with two new ones. Right now I have (including these) seven flowering and two more with shoots, one of which will be flowering soon. I didn't have any that looked like this one - a saucy combination of yellow and pink. These flowers seem to thrive no matter where you put them.

Meanwhile my outdoor garden is thriving with new flowers making their appearance. My lilies have started to open - velvety orange and yellow flowers. This yellow flower returns each year. I don't know its name.

The feathery astilbes have opened up. Their delicate stalks and quiet colour add some subtlety to my garden.

And the echinacea have shown their faces. Still more surprises to come as the garden changes with the season and weather.

I never get tired of photographing flowers. It gets me close to them, to examine their inner workings and be aware of the details of colour, texture and complexity.

July 1/10: Oiling Recorders

July 1/10: Oiling Recorders, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Summer is really starting. On Sunday I am off to music camp, CAMMAC. I'll be playing music several hours a day. These are some of the instruments I'll be taking with me - freshly oiled to keep the wood in good condition. I haven't oiled my large recorders, but they will be coming along.

I've started packing as I have much to bring: instruments, music, clothing, towels.... And of course my camera(s). Then, as there is now wireless, I bring my computer so I can keep up with my blog - though I may not be able to post as connections are not always robust. But once ensconced in my room, I will enjoy a week of music and friendship in a beautiful setting on a lake. You'll see once I get there.....