PYP musicians, faculty at Music Camps at Wallowa Lake

Posted on September 1, 2023

Photo from Music Camps at Wallowa Lake website.

Each Summer, thousands of young musicians set out to expand their musical education through exciting programs where they can learn and grow amongst their friends and peers. One such program is the Music Camp at Wallowa Lake, where PYP’s very own Conservatory Orchestra Conductor, Lawrence Johnson, leads as a member of the Artistic Faculty.

Over 100 young musicians traveled to Wallowa Lake once again for Brass and Woodwinds Camp! 23 of those musicians were current members of Portland Youth Philharmonic:

• Flute: Fedor Chayka (PYP), Jadelyn Donoho (PYCO), Claire Hunsaker (PYCO)
• Clarinet: Mia Bierschank (PYWE), Miloh Dunn (PYP), Wesley Johnson (PYWE), Claire Lin (PYWE)
• Saxophone: Olivia Turk (PYWE)
• Bassoon: Paige Barry (PYWE), Eshaan Rana (PYWE), Gabriel Wright (PYCO)
• Oboe: Qusavon Pathoumsat (PYCO), Grace Sohn (PYP)
• French Horn: Alix Eckelberg-Barry (PYCO), Lucia Turk (PYWE), Alden Leonard (PYP), Ryleigh Mervine (PYCO), Hannah Ruark (PYP), Haruka Sakiyama (PYP)
• Trumpet: Henry Marr (PYCO)
• Tuba: David Buttson (PYP)
• Trombone: Clara Cywinski (PYP), Elaine Lee (PYP)

“Mr. Johnson’s camp was well worth the time, energy, and the money. I got to spend time with people I knew and made a lot of new friends who I am still in contact with months later,” exclaimed PYP musician Hannah Ruark of her time at camp. “One of the things that I think really sets this camp apart, was the fact that there were different level theory classes so everyone not only learned new things but was also challenged just the right amount. As someone who doesn’t know a lot of theory, this class was really helpful to me. My favorite part was that everyone in the camp had two different groups, a like ensemble and a mixed ensemble. For the like ensemble all the instruments played with instruments of their kinds, eg. all the french horns together. In this setting we got to learn a lot about our instruments, how to warm up, how to take care of our horns and body, and how to improve overall. In [our mixed ensembles] we got to learn to play and blend with other instruments…Everything about this camp was truly amazing, from the music to the activities to the food!”

In Summer, 2023, musicians came back together again to work with one another and professional level musicians for the second time since the beginning of the pandemic. Brass Camp at Wallowa Lake came back together for its 24th year, and Woodwinds Camp for its 15th year.

“Wallowa Lake Brass Camp was one of the highlights of my summer,” said PYP musician Alden Leonard. “My musical skills on my instrument grew tremendously. It was an absolute blast getting to play in mass ensembles, and small ensembles as well. The instruction was incredible, and the people were amazing. The other musicians in my cabin have become some of my closest friends over the summer. I also loved the music theory classes. The instructors were super friendly and welcoming, but wanted to push you to learn as best they could. I really can’t wait to sign up for this camp again.”

If you would like to learn more about Wallowa Lake Music Camps, please visit wlmusiccamps.org.

“Wallowa’s Brass camp was incredible; it was magical to be able to get coaching and advice from professional musicians, while getting to play with so many incredible musicians I never would’ve met otherwise,” said PYP musician Haruka Sakiyama. “It was an amazing opportunity and experience, and the site itself was beautiful. I loved getting to hear and get feedback from those that didn’t play my instrument, which provided different views and perspectives that were really helpful. It was an amazing week filled with so much great music and a wonderful time with friends who share the same love for music.”