MAT Camp 09

Two weeks ago we ventured over to Evanston, Wyoming for a week for MAT Camp (Music-Arts-Technology). This was Joe's 4th year as a teacher, and my 2nd year in attendance. We love the town of Evanston and hope someday we'll be blessed to settle and raise a family there. For now, it's just a dream.
While there, we stay with families that open their homes to teachers; and this year, we got to stay in Betty and Larry's "mansion." When we called the couple to find out how to get to their home, they told us to look at the mountain, find the highest house with the green roof, and follow it. They weren't kidding. Their log cabin, 3 story home was the highest home in town, and overlooked EVERYTHING! One night, we watched the dust-buster plane BELOW us. The view was amazing. It made me fall in love with Evanston even more.

The view from where we stayed

Joe taught the low-brass workshop, and then several classes he co-taught with his nephew Andrew: a 3-5th grade "Everything Makes Music" class, a John Zorn "Cobra" class, and an advanced electronic music class. He also played baritone in the band, trombone in the jazz band, and tuba in the orchestra.

Like I said, Joe's nephew Andrew was there teaching with him.

Actually, ALL of Andrew's family was there. It was definitely a JENSEN party. 

Andrew also taught a blogging class, and played french horn in the band and orchestra.

Andrew's brother Nick played clarinet in almost every group he could. He is awesome!

Here is Nick playing in the woodwind quintet on the last day. He's the 2nd one in from the left.

Ryan also played tuba up at camp.

Here is Ryan and Joe; I think they are reading the paper in the woodshop room.

This is Ryan and Jacob practicing yo-yo. They took the "Yo-Yo for Musicians" class that was offered.

Carol, the wonderful mother of the brood of boys, was also there at camp.
She took a ton of world music classes.

Joe and Andrew, aka "TubaTronix" performed at the faculty performance. This was their setup before they went onstage. They did great. It's always so nerve wracking for me because I get nervous about all the things that could go wrong. I'm such a great and supporting wife that way! Sadly, in all my nerves I forgot to record it. Sorry.

Here we are waiting for TubaTronix to perform. From front to back: me, Ryan, Jacob, Carol, and Nick

This is Andrew and Joe in their element.

This is the Cobra class. Very entertaining to watch!

This is the "Everything Makes Music" class. The kids got to play around with DDR dance pad, Guitar Hero, and various other 'toys' that Andrew uses.

Cobra in performance

The last pictures are of Andrew and Joe playing around once camp was over. You can tell these boys have just as much fun as the kids!

Look at that serious face!

Now, you may ask what I do all week. I played tuba in the band, and also attempted to play cello in the orchestra. Cello? you ask. You're right to question; I don't actually play the cello. I learned for about 2 months in one of my BYU classes, but that was 2 years ago. Let's just say it wasn't easy. In 2 months of beginning cello, they don't teach you how to play C naturals, or any flats. The pieces we performed were very challenging. One of the songs I played the first note of each measure. That was a good improvement for me! But it was fun! Next year I may try more; we'll have to see.

I also watch the boys teach a lot; I helped out with the 3-5 graders a few times, because 2 adults and 20 kids just isn't enough! I also bought ear plugs and worked on some schooling too.

All in all, it was a wonderful and successful week! We can hardly wait for next year!