Third Annual CPS Flute Camp a Success!

For two weeks in August, a dozen Chelmsford middle and high school flute players have been spending time together as a section and honing their skills on their instruments. The third annual Chelmsford Summer Flute Camp was held at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts from August 12-22, and gave students a unique opportunity to play music in a setting designed just for flute ensemble, or as they call it, “flute choir.”

Ranging in grades from 5-12, the students were given a pile of brand new music, scale sheets, and sight-reading exercises. They diligently worked together in two levels (one beginner ensemble, and one intermediate/advanced ensemble) to rehearse music as a small chamber ensemble. During the school year, the students rarely have a chance to work in homogenous instrument groups, as the school bands rehearse during the day as a full ensemble. This gave them the chance to fine tune skills specific to the instrument and help them to develop their technique.

Director and flutist Allison Lacasse, who founded the camp, says that this is one of her favorite two weeks of the year. Allison is passionate about giving the students a chance to bond together as a section and to spend some time with the students in a strictly flute-playing setting.  She stated that the students truly come together and bond as a group, and musicians from across schools and grade levels collaborate, which they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. “Musicians, especially young musicians, must create a sense of partnership and respect for each other. That’s how band should always be- students enjoying playing with and for each other.”

The students put on a culmination concert for their families at the end of the camp. Both ensembles performed their own flute choir pieces and ended with a grand finale of “Flute Camp Canon,” their own version of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major.”

The Chelmsford Summer Flute Camp is open to anyone in Chelmsford or in surrounding towns who have played the flute for at least one school year. Next year’s camp will start on August 11 and run until August 21st. Please contact Allison Lacasse if you are interested in participating. Lacasse is available by email at: Lacassea@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Top row, left to right: Stephanie Sartori, Leigh-Anne Valleley, Katelyn O’Donnell, Amy Carey, Sophia Girard

Middle row, left to right: Kanmani Kabilan, Allison Lacasse, Eliza Krauch, Natalie Tierney