Somersfield Student Invited to Southern Honours String Festival

What an experience!: (left to right) Kaleb Phillips, FInn Smith, Haley Williams, LaTannia Ellerbe and Chrysda Smith

February 19, 2015 — Four talented string students had the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Southern Honours String Festival, an event that brings together advanced musicians from North Carolina, Virginia, and beyond. The festival, which provides an immersive experience for string musicians, was a chance for these students to further develop their skills, rehearsing and performing alongside their peers from other regions.

LaTannia Ellerbe, Violin Teacher at the Bermuda School of Music, praised the event for offering Bermudian students a taste of life as professional musicians. "In just three short days, the ensemble was able to present a well-performed concert with repertoire ranging from bossa nova to Irish Folk Music," she said. "The students spent numerous hours in rehearsals, and the opportunity to work with others at this level was invaluable."

A highlight of the event was a two-hour private masterclass given by Violin Professor Marjorie Bagley, who generously shared her expertise with the Bermudian students. The masterclass, which focused on pushing students out of their comfort zones, was described as a "memorable and priceless experience" by Ellerbe.

Among the participating students was Chrysda Smith from Somersfield Academy, who reflected on her time at the festival. "My experience at the Southern Honours String Festival was amazing!" she said. "The full orchestra, with violins, violas, cellos, and bass, made the music sound very full and complete." Smith particularly enjoyed the guidance from conductor Frank Diaz, who shared his insights into the music and helped the orchestra connect more deeply with the pieces. "The music we played at the culminating concert was out of this world," Smith said, adding that her personal favorite was the bossa nova piece Desafinado by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonça.

The festival provided more than just an opportunity to perform; it was a space for learning and growth. "It was a privilege to participate in this camp," said Smith. "I learned an ample amount, and it was definitely a positive experience."

For these Somersfield students, the Southern Honours String Festival was not only a chance to refine their musical talents but also to immerse themselves in the rich culture of orchestral performance, leaving them with memories and skills that will undoubtedly shape their musical futures.

The information in this article is sourced from A Taste of Life as a Professional Musician, a Royal Gazette newspaper article.