This past week, I attended the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as both visiting faculty and teacher trainee. In my seminars with Paule Barsalou, we talked a lot about body mapping, the technique taught by Jennifer Johnson. I was especially impressed by Paule’s ability to make big changes in the students she worked with during masterclasses. I wouldn’t have thought a student’s entire position and physical approach could change so much in such a short time.

I taught four boys in a masterclass each morning, and had the chance to meet many of the 100 or so students who attended the camp. I was really impressed with all of the people I met. Everyone was warm and down to earth, the students were wonderful, and I made a lot of new friends and colleagues among the faculty. I loved the venue for the institute – Bishop Feild School. It was a beautiful old Victorian college with huge ceilings, giant wooden doors, and a beautiful concert space.

I got a chance to catch up a bit with my old friend Mark Latham, who was there directing the Young Artist orchestra program. I learned some new fiddle tunes from my fellow trainee Rosemary Lawton and again from faculty member Carole Bestvater. On the faculty recital, I got a chance to perform the Telemann concerto for four violins in D major with Paule Barsalou, Mark Latham, and ACSI director Evelyn Osborne.

Telemann Concerto for four violins in D major

It was great to hang out with my friend Grant King from my days at Longy – I hadn’t seen him for almost seven years. He and Amy (and their fantastic dog Hattie) were so kind and really made me feel at home. It was great to experience St. John’s as a local – what a great town. I loved everything I saw there, including all of the fog. We went out to Signal Hill, Cape Speare, and Logy Bay. I can’t wait to go back.

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