Ensemble Academy in Shimanami 2025
- Izumi Fujiyama
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Greetings from Fujiyama Clarinet studio
From March 25th to 29th, a wonderful string chamber music experience was held on Mukaishima in Onomichi.
While previously held during Golden Week in May as the Shimanami Music School, this year it took place in March.
Led by violinist Ryo Kojima, with internationally active instructors, students from across Japan, and the ideal location of Shimanami, it has become an outstanding academy.
This time, we formed a group with friends and prepared thoroughly. I accompanied as a parent.
Day 1
Since my daughter's group had coaching in the morning, we left home early. Although we departed with plenty of time to avoid traffic and accidents, we arrived at the venue quickly and were able to start the first day's lesson just fine.
It was the first reunion with Ryo sensei since last summer camp. The lessons proceeded in a consistently warm atmosphere, and though the children were a bit nervous at first, they became more actively engaged thanks to the teacher's warm encouragement. Mr.Shono, the viola instructor, had a gentle demeanor and carefully explained the essential elements of ensemble playing in a way that was easy for the children to understand.
In the afternoon, they had string ensemble practice, which provided a valuable opportunity for academy participants and instructors to perform together. The sound of the large string orchestra was magnificent. They all actively shared ideas about what kind of ensemble they would create over the next three sessions.
Additionally, we observed the lecture by the double bass instructor, Mr. Hei, very intriguing. It reinforced the importance of the role of low-string in the ensembles and orchestras.
Day 2
On the second day, since the seminar venue "Kokoro" was closed, individual lessons were held in Onomichi, the mainland side. I had the opportunity to participate on my friend's cello lesson. The instructor was Mr. Kumazawa, a cellist from the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra. My friend and I performed Beethoven's duo, which was scheduled for Sunday's outdoor performance. Though it was our first lesson with him, I was completely captivated by his precise and efficient instruction. Particularly impressive was his advice about breathing timing in ensemble playing with wind instruments. Mr. Kumazawa demonstrated this, and in those few seconds of playing together, he perfectly matched my breathing and sound initiation timing, providing remarkable support that deeply moved me.
The evening continued with string ensemble sectional practice, followed by a social gathering.
Day 3
On this second day of the seminar, My daughter had more flexibility to observe other groups and attend pre-course lectures.
She also participated in ensemble playing with the pre-course participants, and it was impressive to see the young children performing with such dedication. Since it was late in the evening, some were already running out of energy!
The instructors worked tirelessly from morning to night, rotating between groups, teaching, and performing together - it was truly admirable. String instruments require such endurance. I as a woodwind player, admire them a lot.
Day 4
The third day of the seminar. The final day's lessons were particularly intense. We had come to understand each instructor's characteristics and personality, and everything proceeded in a consistently harmonious atmosphere. The lessons focused on final adjustments for tomorrow's closing concert and how to approach the performance.
Day 5
At last, it was time for the closing concert. From 9:30 AM to 7 PM, about 50 groups performed. The refreshing smiles and sense of achievement afterward were irreplaceable treasures. Well done, everyone.
Day 6
We moved to Setoda on Ikuchijima island, where outdoor performances began at the marché.
While the instructors and expert course students were rehearsing at the Bel Canto Hall, we were in charge of the outdoor performances. Though the morning was chilly, the weather improved, and we received permission for outdoor performances.
The classical music groups, consisting of both children and adults, gave outdoor performances, and I was also one of the performers.
Outdoor performances always come with unexpected challenges. Poor acoustics, wind, music stands falling over, distracting ambient noise - it required intense concentration to maintain focus. I wonder how the sound balance turned out.
It was an enriching week immersed in music. My daughter grew significantly through these valuable experiences. While she attended her daily lessons, I found time to practice quietly at our accommodation. I have a strong desire to participate in chamber music myself and truly envy the string instrument players! Through this experience, I felt determined to improve myself further. I will continue to cherish opportunities for chamber music and look forward to meeting more performers.
Now, with new goals in our hearts, let's take another step forward.
Online lessons available