Credo 2011: "What is Your Identity?"

After the first few Morning Sing services, this question of identity emerged as the unofficial theme for this summer's festival. Faculty members challenged the students to think about this question throughout the three weeks, offering their own experience, teaching and insight. We would like to share with you a few stories, news articles, photos and videos as a window into all that the students experienced during the 2011 festival.

Click on a link below:

	Slideshow Check out this year's slideshow with photos from rehearsals, concerts, service days and just having fun!
	In Their Own Words: Quotes from this summer's students "It was absolutely amazing and life-changing"
	In the News: Articles and Concert Reviews "This was an evening of wonderful romantic chamber literature by two of the giants of the Romantic Era. The faculty musicians displayed their talents with a vigor and style that captivated the audience and inspired the young students who were their charges. What more could you ask for in a concert?" -ClevelandClassical.com
	Student Videos Check out some of the student video recordings!

In Their Own Words- Quotes from this year's students:

I think I learned more in these last 3 weeks than I did in my whole last semester. It was extremely challenging and encouraging to be around other young people so enthusiastic about music.

This Credo experience has been incredible filled with wonderful music and life-long friends. It was absolutely amazing and life-changing.

Credo is the perfect combination of chamber music, faith and fun! The 3 weeks spent in Ohio was definitely not long enough, but with the time that we did have, I feel that it was a true gift that I got to be a part of the camp.

 Every year, Credo helps me grow more in three weeks than in the rest of the year put together. The people here, from other campers to counselors to faculty are absolutely amazing, and the certainty that I will meet more wonderful people every year is what keeps me coming back. Credo means more to me that I can say- thank you.

I wish I could come to Credo every year. This is such a great camp! All the students bonded,  there were many great musicians here, and the faculty were all so inspiring and wonderful people. I love Credo! It was an amazing experience to be able to perform and grow with high-level students while being taught by faculty members who love God and set an example for others.

It still astounds me how vastly different the people at Credo are to other people I've met around the world. They are kind and extremely warm and everybody (especially the faculty) has enormous dedication.

This program stretched me, pulled me, squished me and all around shaped me into another person.

Faculty Concert Review Exerpts

Published on ClevelandClassical.com

July 8th, 2011

Kulas Hall was packed to overflowing.

The Dvorák viola quintet, opus 97  was performed with eagerness and affection by the mixed faculty and student ensemble, headed by the elegant viola playing of Credo director and Oberlin faculty member Peter Slowik. After intermission, two members of the Credo Trio were joined by Credo faculty member Stephen Clapp for a very successful performance of the D minor piano trio of Mendelssohn. Stephen Clapp played with a focused and clear sound and an utter command of the passagework as well as the structures of this passionate piece.

Steuart Pincombe brought a rich lyrical handling of line, as well as an obvious talent for exact and effective ensemble playing.  Karen Burgman brought to Mendelssohn's virtuosic piano part a mastery of the complicated runs and arpeggios and a percussive clarity that grounded the whole performance in (to borrow Wallace Stevens' phrase) "lucid, inescapable rhythms."

July 15th, 2011

This was an evening of wonderful romantic chamber literature by two of the giants of the Romantic Era. The faculty musicians displayed their talents with a vigor and style that captivated the audience and inspired the young students who were their charges. What more could you ask for in a concert?

It was a solid and impressive beginning and beautifully set the stage for what was to follow. The viola work was most impressive.

The players closely watched each other’s facial expressions and body movements so as to coexist as a chamber group of precision and clarity. The final cadence faded into oblivion with a magnificent pianissimo. Throughout, the cello work was excellent and once again the viola’s style and poise shown through.

 The opening cello with piano was stunning and the accompanying pizzicato in the violin and viola was a striking touch and heightened the beauty of the duet. James Howsmon’s piano interludes were distinguished.

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Student Videos