Chamber music is usually associated with classical music, well-dressed performers and audience. So how does it get connected with the word "madness"?Blame Karen Iglitzin - she made it happen when she started Chamber Music Madness in 2000.This year, the Washington String Teachers Association recognized Iglitzin as Studio Teacher of the Year.When Iglitzin started the Chamber Music Madness, she envisioned something counter to traditional programs."I wanted to add in some fun and creativity without sacrificing quality," said Iglitzin. "Why not? Why shouldn't quality and fun go together?"The group holds sight-reading and repertoire exploration workshops every month. It attracts students anywhere from Bellingham to Oregon, not merely for the conductor's intense interest in music or desire to give them expertise, but also because of social time."My philosophy is that it all comes down to everyone wants to have fun, music, snacks, and meet new friends," said Iglitzin. IN THE COURSE OF EDUCATIONIglitzin grew up in a musically gifted family. Her father, Alan Iglitzin, who played the viola, was an important character in her musical journey. When she pursued her undergraduate degree at Indiana University, her professor Joseph Gingold strengthened her skills in violin. As she continued master's studies at Yale School of Music, her mentor Raphael Hillyer would develop her specialization in quartet. "I am fascinated by group dynamics," said Iglitzin. "I tell the students, don't just play next to [each other]. Play with them." Quartet seemed like the perfect match for music and group interaction. After her own education, Iglitzin went on to teach college. She served as a professor at Western Washington University for 12 years."It's exciting to teach full time, going from full-time performer to a full-time teacher," Iglitzin said. "My rebellious spirit certainly had an effect on that university. It's too shocking for some people. I always took a day to go to local high school.... You have to get into high schools. Those are your future."Iglitzin recalls taking WWU students in her music appreciation class from Bellingham to Seattle to see the Seattle Opera. Although it involved a lot of paperwork, hundreds of students - including football players - made the trip. The opera had a big impact on a lot of them. Many were newcomers to music. Some blamed Iglitzin for not warning them to bring Kleenex.In 1997, Iglitzin went to China to continue her pioneering journey in education. She and her ex-husband, Roger Nelson, were the first foreign teachers at Qufu Teachers University in Shandong Province. While Nelson taught piano, Iglitzin taught violin and chamber music and introduced American fiddling and contra-dancing to the Chinese students. There were many cultural differences. In China, students are accustomed to a more formal relationship with teachers. Chinese students give teachers a lot of respect - they carried Iglitzin's violin four stories up the building for her - and usually do not have friendships with their teachers. When Iglitzin invited the students for open house, they were delighted."It was extremely exciting for both sides," said Iglitzin. Since returning to the States, Iglitzin has gone back four times to China to visit and to strengthen those "strong emotional bonds" she established that first year.CHAMBER MUSIC MADNESSIglitzin encourages creativity in Chamber Music Madness workshops. She does not want her students to be mechanical. Instead, each musician should not hide his or her individuality, or become intimidated or stiff at the idea of improvisation. "Why have the same person play the same piece? It'd be boring," Iglitzin said. "Everyone has a unique personality to contribute something new," she added.Iglitzin coaches alongside with other musicians such as Irwin ("Irv") Eisenberg and Leslie Marckx. Eisenberg was the founder of the Philadelphia Quartet. According to Iglitzin, he is "such a role model, a knowledgeable and passionate coach." However, when youths have problems, they would choose to talk to Iglitzin. Marckx, another coach, would keep bringing youthful ideas to make Chamber Music Madness a fun place to be.Iglitzin also gets busy organizing Camp Nirvana every year. "We strengthen [students'] sight reading and broaden their repertoire, but don't go into concert skills," said Iglitzin, feeling that camp is already as traditional as she could get.At the end of the camp, students put together a noncompetitive concert to display the efforts of their focused training. Some return to Camp Nirvana the year after, being shocked that big music events on the East Coast or at prestigious schools don't offer anything to do in their spare time. At Camp Nirvana, they never have to worry about getting bored.Currently, Iglitzin focuses on strengthening the programs. When she does performance, she enjoys a strong theme in dance and folk music."It's very tempting for me to start my ideas, but we have some work to do first," Iglitzin said.For more information about Chamber Music Madness or Camp Nirvana, visit http://www.chambermusicmadness.org.[[In-content Ad]]
