OSAS is over for another year. Each year we say it is the best. That’s not hyperbolic – it’s just the way of it. Each year the students bring their enthusiasm and joy for learning and growing and making music. And the blend of enthusiasm from previous years’ attendees and the nervous anticipation from first time students is a heady mix that is hard to beat! It’s the experience of being able to come year after year learning something new each time that shows that each year has been better than the past – because we have all grown!
As usual, I didn’t take any (useful) photos to share – there’s so much to do in real time in real life that I don’t take the time to snap pics. I did, however, really like this one from Stephanie Claussen which I unceremoniously pinched from her facebook page.
The students aren’t the only ones who change the atmosphere – the teachers totally bring it! These are people who are already incredible performers and fantastic teachers. But later in that they are genuine people with breadth and depth and passion, and the mix moves from heady to intoxicating!
I think, though, that all this comes together to build and gel a community. Humans are best in community – a shared love with a support system. And when we’re together at OSAS we can layer context as we learn more about music, history, heritage, and our places in the world.
We learn tunes, technique, expression, and more of the idiom. We learn harp tunes, fiddle tunes, and pipe tunes. We sing songs. We play with other harpers which is a rare treat for so many. But we also get to play with fiddles and small pipes. We walk to meals, chatting and then talk through the meals and continue catching up on the way back.
As a teacher, I watch lights come on, see new ideas take hold, confidence grow, skills develop, and joy build. Don’t be fooled, I also see the occasional burst of frustration, and… fatigue, but they are quickly eclipsed by contentment and even delight!
I’m going to spend this week rolling in the afterglow while it’s fresh. Next week we’ll start planning for next year – collecting what works, examining what should change, collaborating with the other teachers and leadership to craft the best OSAS ever! Hope you’ll join us – and if you want more, just ask me. If you’re just back too, share your thoughts in the comments!
