Summer Programs Offer Teamwork and Leadership Skills for Local Youth
July 28, 2023
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Two years ago as a high school student, double bass player Diego Martinez ‘27 was seeking an opportunity to continue playing music during the summer months while building his performance skills.
He found the perfect fit through the Illinois Chamber Music Festival at Illinois Wesleyan University. And, after connecting with music faculty, Martinez plans to study instrumental performance at IWU.
“I also had the opportunity to take lessons with a bass professor over the last two years and that helped with my decision to come to Illinois Wesleyan,” said Martinez.
Founded in 2003 by IWU music faculty Nina Gordon and Lisa Nelson, the festival brings youth to campus to explore chamber music under the guidance of expert faculty from the School of Music. About 16 local youth participated this summer.
Nelson joked that students usually go home with a new addiction to chamber music, a form of classical music that is composed for a small group of instruments, most often string instruments like violins, cello and double bass.
“It’s fun to play music like this because it’s so different from what I usually play,” said Martinez. “I have been gaining lots of technical skills with the professors coming in to help with coachings every day. It really helps build musicianship.”
Most of the students involved in the program have participated in orchestra through their school or received private lessons, but Nelson said the week-long festival introduces young musicians to a unique set of performing abilities.
“Since there is no conductor for chamber music, it requires much more collaboration as a group,” she said. “Each student is responsible for their own part and they have to communicate without talking to know when to start and stop. They learn how to succeed as a whole ensemble through teamwork and communication, as well as leadership and cueing skills.”
Students apply those skills by performing free local concerts throughout the week that are open to the public. The final faculty/student concert will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 30, at Westbrook Auditorium in Presser Hall.
On the other side of campus, 68 children with a love of video gaming also honed their teamwork skills while participating in the IWU Esports summer camps. Director of Esports Cora Kennedy said the group learned about gaming tactics, communication strategies, leadership and problem solving.
“The fastest way to improve gaming is to play with and against others. That is exactly what we try to do by showing them that gaming is more than just a solo activity. We teach and enforce social and soft skills to improve them both as gamers and as people,” said Kennedy.
While there was plenty of time spent playing video games in IWU’s state-of-the art Esports facility , students also enjoyed outdoor activities like dodgeball and kickball as well as laser tag in Hansen Student Center.
“I hope campers learned how to more effectively communicate in-game and out, and how to work with those around them in a team setting while still being able to take charge when needed,” said Kennedy.
In addition, several Illinois Wesleyan athletic camps have attracted more than 3,000 youth to campus this summer, including programs for baseball, football, basketball, golf, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball.
Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications Katie Gonzales said campers receive instruction from IWU coaches, work closely with Titan student athletes, spend time in the pool and participate in competitions.
“Our relationships within our community are incredibly valuable and something all of our teams really focus on. We’re fortunate to have great facilities to welcome the community throughout the summer,” said Gonzales. “Our coaches want to see their campers have fun and enjoy the experience while learning about what it means to be a Titan athlete.”
By Julia Perez