Jackson State University sophomore Samuel Sarpong recently traveled to Turin, Italy to participate in the world renown Xenia Chamber Music Course that transmits musical knowledge and technical skills necessary for playing chamber music.
The Jackson native and violinist spent three weeks in the mountains of Turin, Italy, studying with students from nations that include Norway, Italy, France, Germany and Ireland.
Sarpong is grateful for the learning experience.
“I learned more about posture,” says Sarpong. “I also received good training in musical phrasing. The trip was an interesting experience and I feel that it has better prepared me for my role in the orchestra at JSU.”
Amid his success during the course, the finance major and music minor ran into some challenges.
“None of the teachers spoke English,” Sarpong says. “When they tried to tell me to do something, I just nodded and said OK.”
The language barrier extended to the student population also.
“Only three students could proficiently understand English,” Sarpong says. “I usually had to speak slowly.”
Sarpong shared some of his favorite moments during the course.
“There was a huge water fight during one of the picnics. I was dumped with half a bag of water twice,” he said.
Also Sarpong let the students sign their names to his body with a Sharpie pen. “They had a lot of fun with that.”
The course ended as the chamber joined together to perform in an area of Turin known as “the village.”