Hundreds of young talents flock to the Blues Camp auditions!
Emotions were running high in École Marguerite-De Lajemmerais last weekend during auditions for the 4th edition of the Blues Camp presented by TD Canada Trust! Hundreds of young music fanatics turned out, hoping to be a part of the 2009 vintage of this original, unique and entirely free musical camp, held this year from July 6 to 12 as part of the SIMM presented by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.
A brilliant crop of new recruits
Once again this year, our teens gave themselves body and soul to qualify as one of the fifty lucky candidates with the opportunity to perfect their technique and musical knowledge as part of this already renowned Blues Camp. No fewer than 350 music fanatics filed before the judges, the public and the media last weekend, gleefully showcasing their passion and enthusiasm. Our budding musicians, ranged according to age (13 to 17) and their level of musical knowledge, offered performances in every instrumental category-guitar, drums, piano, bass, brass, harmonica, vocals-for a committee of professionals and music teachers. The most talented among them were then interviewed about themselves, their interests and their passions.
Enthusiasm was palpable and contagious among our bright-eyed teens, some of whom turned out to be genuine prodigies! Organizers, judges and audience members attending this 4th edition of Blues Camp auditions were transported by the talent, freshness and energy of these exceptional young prospects. And we're betting there will be just as much excitement and emotion on display when our winners perform in the Blues Camp finale!
Don't miss the closing show before a public audience on July 12 at 5:30 P.M., on the TD Canada Trust stage, as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.
Participants' testimonials
"I would say that the most memorable moment was the show. I felt a very strong and cool connection with all the members of our band, and I felt that everything came together really nicely. It was also really cool seeing all the other bands come together on stage. It was kind of a bonding experience for everyone I think!"
William Batory-Bernardin, 17 ans
Pianiste
Montréal
« Le moment qui m'a le plus marquée pendant le Camp de blues c'était les performances des artistes invités parce que je n'avais jamais vu du blues live. C'était incroyable de voir tout ce qu'ils dégageaient et de pouvoir s'en inspirer ou même de pouvoir jouer avec eux! C'était une chance incroyable. C'est Dawn Tyler Watson qui m'a le plus marqué par son charisme et son énergie. Elle m'a réellement laissée bouche bée. Ça n'a pas été facile de nommer seulement un moment car j'ai vécu tellement de moments inoubliables! Merci pour nous avoir fait vivre tout ça! »
Maude Desrosiers-Carbonneau, 17 ans
Clarinettiste
Montréal
« Au Camp de blues, tout le monde était génial les profs comme les organisateurs et les autres du camp. Il y a aussi le moment où tout le monde t'applaudis en même temps devant toi sur la scène TD Canada Trust, le feeling est tellement fucké et cool en même temps que j'aurais voulus faire cela à chaque jour avec les mêmes personnes de mon groupe. »
Keven Barré, 13 ans
Tromboniste
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu