Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland

WSAI SummerCamp No.4 – Music report

Williams Unlimited summer music & activity camp has truly established itself as an international gathering, with nine countries represented at this year’s 4^th annual camp in Northern Ireland’s Share Centre.  Visitors from the US, UK, Poland, Italy, Holland, Palestine and all parts of Ireland participated as campers(people with WS), caras (friends),  carers, teachers, or researchers. All contributed to the growing body of knowledge of this chromosomal disorder, while boosting the musical melting pot.

Seven teachers provided daily individual musical tuition in voice, piano, percussion, guitar and song writing. Individual & group drama classes was a new provision this year and proved  to be very popular for those with WS. The entire camp participated in daily music theatre rehearsals of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, singing dancing and waxing lyrical!

In addition to the many impromptu music-making sessions which have become a regular part of the WSAI summer camp, individual talents got an opportunity to shine during three performance opportunities. A costumed Music from the Movies Night was led by Williams campers and an International Musical evening was led by teachers and caras, while the final night saw the presentation of the week’s newly developed musical skills by campers and the full company in our Williams style costumed version of “The Pirates”. This was accompanied by a six piece orchestra on piano, drums, guitar and trumpet. 

There were many memorable musical moments to mark this 4^th annual camp.  Harm Peters from Holland and Brian Aherne from Cork set the tone for a fun movies evening as a lively, interactive pair of Blues Brothers, who not only entertained that evening on guitar, voice,  keyboard and drums but proved to be credible composers. Harm’s “Badminton Song” and & ‘Brian’s Song’ impressed all as did their performances as Frederick the romantic lead and the Pirate King respectively later in the week.  

Emanuela Torlonia now known as ‘Manu’ though tired after a long trip from Italy played many parts during a busy week, She was a very charming “Maria from The Sound of Music on Movie night, a session performer on drums, ever ready with a song. Manu performed improvisations on the piano and was a most credible Ruth, elder nursemaid to Frederick in the Pirates.  

The lively choreographed performances of Sighile Hennessy & Donal Carroll leading a Grease medley brought all the Williams campers to their feet to join in– Fiona Savage, Patricia Moylan, Alan Keady, Jarlath Tynan, Rosie Rosser & Karen Breen all responded to the international language that is music. 

Jarlath Tynan on his first WS camp quickly established himself with his talent and easy-going nature. His own composition called ‘Jarlath’s Blues’ along with his portrayal of the ‘Policeman’s Lot’ while showcasing his lovely tenor voice also demonstrated his sense of fun and joy in teasing his sisters who visited camp several times to support him. 

 Karen Breen, a stalwart of the camp was ever ready at the keyboard to accompany wherever needed. Karen led all in the Titanic theme song on Movie night, introduced all to the Opera on recital night and was a dutiful daughter to the Major General in The Pirates. 

Rosie Rosser, another newcomer to the camp travelled from the UK with her family and settled right into the Williams family that is the music & activity camp.  Rosie brought a touch of The Sundance Kid to the movies night looking very glamorous and performed an incredible “Model of the Modern Major General” with her beautiful deep voice.   

Dublin and Molly Malone was well represented by Fiona Savage, Patricia Moylan and Adrienne Long.  Fiona was ever ready for the impromptu music sessions and Adrienne although late arriving threw herself right in to activities. Patricia rescued our music theatre script by very quickly absorbing additional dialogue as the pressure of time overtook our best efforts.  

Alan Keady another stalwart on his 4^th camp gave us memories of a suave James Bond on movie night, and was ever ready with the bongos for all sessions. 

Two research teams added a new dimension to this 4^th camp, not least because it challenged all to re-evaluate activities but the researchers also became valued members of the WSAI family, who performed in our International Night. Thanks to Melvyn & Clare and Myata & John for their commitment to WSAI.

Each Williams camper endeared themselves to the team with their talent and commitment to activities even when stamina was sometimes challenged.  All have contributed to the growing success of this summer camp and long may they continue to participate.  The success of the camp is also reliant on the goodwill of so many people who are generous of spirit and time.

The WSAI summer and activity camp is a valuable learning experience for all.

Marie Power, LRSM, MA..

Camp Musical Director

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Last modified: February 01, 2006