Commendable Camden (2nd post in a series)

Posted by Elizabeth Devereux

This is the 2nd post in my series of “Commendable Camden” posts.  In the wake of Camden’s major budget cuts in January, resulting in the lay-off of hundreds of city workers including many police officers and firefighters, I would like to shed light on some of the positive elements I’ve experienced in the city across the Ben Franklin Bridge.

COMMENDABLE CAMDEN #2: Symphony in C

The Symphony in C, formerly the Haddonfield Symphony, relocated to Camden in 2007 and changed its name at that point to Symphony in C.  Symphony in C is one of very few professional training orchestras in the country, along with the New World Symphony based in Miami and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

So, what’s a professional training orchestra, anyway?  Professional orchestras (ie, paid orchestras) are very competitive to get into, and the idea behind these professional training orchestras is that they give promising young musicians–either current students or recent graduates of music schools and conservatories–the opportunity to play alongside other young, promising musicians who are either currently taking auditions for full-time professional orchestra jobs, or who will begin the audition process soon.

How does that translate into what you hear and see on stage at a Symphony in C concert?  Symphony in C is a dynamic and energetic orchestra that plays at an extremely high level.  The music-making is full of life and passion, and it shines with precision.  Symphony in C is comprised of many Curtis students and graduates (one of the most selective music schools in the world), as well as musicians from Temple, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Peabody, Rowan, to name just a few.  The Symphony has an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to hold positions in major orchestras world-wide.

With that kind of introduction, how can you bear to miss Symphony is C’s

FINAL SEASON CONCERT!!!

WHERE? Gordon Theater (Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts), 211 N. 5th St., Camden, NJ 08102

WHEN? Saturday 5/7 (TOMORROW!) @ 8:00 pm

WHO? Symphony in C, conducted by Rossen Milanov, with Guest Soloist Soovin Kim playing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (he’s an incredible violinist! and a very nice person)

WHY? If the above description of Symphony in C’s great musicianship hasn’t convinced you, I’m tempted to say, “Because I said so!” 

Hope to see you there!

Commendable Camden (1st post in a series)

Posted by Elizabeth Devereux

In January and February of 2011, Camden, NJ made international news for its budget cuts that have led to laying off over 400 city workers, including 45% of the police force.  Although last week brought news that Camden will rehire 50 of the 167 police officers and 15 of the 68 firefighters who were laid off, Camden residents are still nervous about the consequences of the budget cuts on their security, especially as the summer months approach.  In a city that is notorious for its high crime rate–it was ranked the nation’s most dangerous city in 2004, 2005, and 2009–the recent police force cuts seem to contribute to a dark narrative of a crime-laden and poverty-stricken city in crisis.

My hope in this post, which will be the first of a series of Commendable Camden posts, is to describe the silver linings of beauty and humanity that still exist in a suffering city.

I began teaching private violin lessons in Camden at the Settlement Music School branch on Main St. in December of 2010.  Before that, I had been to Camden only a few times for events connected to Symphony in C, formerly the Haddonfield Symphony that relocated to Camden.  Clearly, my experience of Camden is limited to these few experiences.  Since I began teaching in Camden, I’ve been eager to explore more of the city, because I think I teach students better when I know about their community.  As a start, I would love to have input on this blog from Camden residents themselves and others who have wider experiences with the city.

COMMENDABLE CAMDEN #1: Camden School of Musical Arts (a branch of Settlement Music School)

I joined the faculty of Settlement Music School’s Camden School of Musical Arts four months ago, at the beginning of December 2010.  The Camden School of Musical Arts became the newest of Settlement Music School’s six branches when it was integrated in 2005.  (The brand new Willow Grove facility, replacing the former Jenkintown Branch, is now officially the newest Settlement branch.)

Camden School of Musical Arts was formed in 1987 by a group of local ministers, music educators, and residents, led by Camden High School music teacher Doris Brooks, who saw a need for musical education in a community where school music classes were being cut.  Ten years later, in 1997, the Camden School of Musical Arts approached Settlement Music School (located about a 10-minute drive from Camden over the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philly) about beginning a collaborative relationship.  By 2005, this relationship had grown into the full incorporation of the Camden School into the sixth branch of Settlement Music School.

I got to sit down with Branch Director Valerie Clayton, who has run the Camden School of Musical Arts since 1997.  While I am teaching there on Thursdays (a slower day at the Camden branch), Valerie keeps her office door open, she frequently comes out and catches up with parents and students, she sometimes sits at the reception area directly in front of the Branch entrance and speaks with Angie, our receptionist, or Marisela, the Branch coordinator. Valerie is kind and approachable, she runs a smooth and well-organized branch, and she shows investment in the students’ success and progress.

One of the highlights of my conversation with Valerie was the story of the school’s attractive and modern building.  Based on how the Camden branch looks, I had assumed that the building had been newly built for the specific purpose of housing the Settlement branch.  NOT SO! The Camden School of Musical Arts is housed in what used to be Kenny G’s bar and lounge.  There was even a disco ball hanging over the current recital hall stage area!  I love the transformation this represents–a rebirth of music and dance in a different format and for a different age group.

My Thursday studio of violinists is filled with kind, eager, hard-working students.  I’m eager to see them grow as musicians as they grow up from children to young adults.  I’m excited to join them as part of the Camden Settlement community!

If you’re interested in joining the Camden Settlement community as well, keep reading to find out how…

Sign Me Up!

Camden School of Musical Arts is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday, offering private lessons in all orchestral instruments as well as guitar and voice, Suzuki violin group classes, Children’s Choir (3rd–8th grade), dance, and a brand new jazz program lead by Nasir Dickerson.  Its enrollment has grown from 100 in 1997 to 504 in 2009.

Call 856-541-6375 or visit the website to register for lessons or find out more about Settlement’s Camden School of Musical Arts.