After a long, challenging year, we were thrilled to be able to reunite for the 11th summer of our PRIZM Music Camp and International Chamber Music Festival. 

Since 2009, the event has attracted students from more than 40 educational institutions in the Memphis area, in many cases offering the first opportunity for participants to work together with peers from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Students at our summer camp have the unique opportunity to learn directly from world renowned classical musicians and share the stage with their mentors in a public concert. 

In acknowledging the pandemic, this year’s camp was held at a much smaller scale with 26 students grades six and up from 11 different schools and one university. 

Throughout our two weeks of concerts, more than 200 concert attendees were treated to a variety of different compositions, including Beethoven’s Duets for Clarinet and Bassoon No. 2, Op. 27; Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 1 in F major; Mozart’s Quartet No. 3 in G Major and more. 

For two weeks, students dove into extensive, unique courses such as improvisation, the history of program music, efficient practice techniques, how to succeed in an orchestra, performance anxiety and injury prevention. Students not only collaborated with their peers in small chamber ensembles, but also were afforded the opportunity to perform in concert alongside faculty members who served as mentors for the week.

Thank you to our students, faculty and staff for all of your hard work and participation and making this a fun and successful event! It was truly a gift to reunite with everyone and make music together after so long.

Be on the lookout in the coming weeks as we begin planning for next year’s summer camp and festival!