Going to a new camp is always a hard experience; trying to make new friends, and not make a total fool of your self is usually the main concern. But at SPA these petty concerns were totally thrown out the window. The first day that I walked into the building I felt at home. After spending 6 weeks at another camp I was completely tired I wanted to go home and sleep for at least 2 days straight. I remember complaining to my parents that they were being completely unfair and unreasonable, but they kept on insisting that this would be a good experience and to give it a try. Almost immediately from the first day I was integrated into the Sphinx Family which is to me a home away from home. I can honestly say that I consider the kids at Sphinx my brothers and sisters and the dorm parents my second mother and bigger brother.
Practicing is always a big part of a musician’s life; if you don’t practice then chances are you will not have a good performance. Usually practicing at home is incredibly dull. You are stuck in your living room or study area where for three or four hours you are meticulously practicing the part of a piece which has been giving you trouble since the first week that you got it. At SPA there is still the three hours of practice but it seems more fun and lively. You are surrounded by friends all working toward the same goal as you to master that piece or passage that will make them better musicians.
Even though there is a lot of hard work in the practice room and in your lessons, it all pays off in the end. It is sooo satisfying when in a master class you are able to play your Mendelssohn, or Bach for your friends and teachers and hear the round of applause when you finish. SPA for me has been a once in a lifetime chance that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and would do it again in a heartbeat. – Alexzandria Robbins
