."It is very
rewarding to
see the children responding to
the music
instruction."

Pianofest students travel to the Southampton Fresh Air Home, a camp for physically challenged kids, to share in the joy of music and music making.

Pianofest in the Hamptons, an 8-week intensive music festival summer school, and Southampton Fresh Air Home, a nearly 100-year-old summer camp for physically challenged kids, have collaborated on a program that provides campers with an introduction to music and basic keyboard instruction from Pianofest students.

Pianofest is one of the smallest festivals in the U.S. with approximately 20 participants each year. The school attracts an international group of exceptionally talented young performers for concentrated study under world-class concert artists. Last year, Pianofest students traveled twice weekly to the Fresh Air Home camp to play for the campers and teach the basics of rhythm, styles of music and elementary keyboard technique. 

Paul Schenly, founder and artistic director of Pianofest, is delighted with the features of the Clavinova and knew they would benefit the new program. "The Clavinovas are very effective for teaching and practicing," he explained. "They allow the students to play pieces from composers such as Bach and create numerous instrumental voices. In addition, they are easily portable with relatively no maintenance."

Frank & Camille's Keyboard Center in Melville, NY provided seven Clavinovas--two CLP611's to be used by Pianofest teachers and five CLP311's for use at the Fresh Air Home. "When we were approached with a request to supply Clavinovas for this collaboration, we were more than happy to help," said Camille Scheidemann of Frank & Camille's. "This is a remarkable program and we were proud to be associated with it."

Pianofest student Tina Aintablian (standing) instructs two Fresh Air Home campers on basic keyboard technique.

The program was an immediate hit with campers. The Pianofest instructors also found great satisfaction in sharing their talents with these young people facing severe challenges. Pianofest student Georgi Slavchev remarked, "When we practice all day for ourselves, we are really selfish, not helping anyone. Participating in this program is far more important and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Lyn Hamer, president of the Fresh Air Home, agrees, "It is very rewarding to see the children responding to the music instruction. We are looking forward to many more years of this program." At the end of last season, one Clavinova was purchased for Pianofest and five of the Clavinovas became a permanent part of the camp through a purchase made possible from a grant from an individual.

Added Schenly, "Together, Frank & Camille's and Yamaha are contributing to the importance of exposing music education to new audiences. It is in keeping with the mission of Pianofest--an effort based on support rather than competition."