The Celebration of The Arts (COTA)* presented their annual concert featuring the talent of the many young jazz performers who were nurtured by their mentors during their annual COTA Jazz Camp at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM)* in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Sunday August 3rd as part of their summer Gazebo Concert Series.
The COTA Jazz Camp provides a week long opportunity for young people who are drawn to its entrancing melodies to learn how to enhance their musical skill from the very best among those who perform the art. Some come to the camp shy and inhibited by the greatness of talent they first encounter. A loving series of classes, films, and other programs are presented to these students throughout the week. Soon, they replace their shyness and inhibitions as they discover their own musical voice and a desire to sound it out in an enhanced confidence which they can utilize in every aspect of their daily lives. The COTA Jazz Camp was designed as a way to precipitate the wonderful gifts the community has given COTA* throughout the year through its abundant support. And, it succeeds in doing so overwhelmingly.
The concert showcasing this year’s talent was preceded by a picnic held in honor of the students, their parents, and everyone who helped make the experience of The COTA Jazz Camp a creative success. Flames danced in delight among the hot dogs and hamburgers being prepared by Gourmet Lauren Chamberlain* of COTA while the onions and tomatoes were sliced evenly and lovingly in anticipation of their use. At least the onions were sliced evenly. I can’t say that is very true for the tomatoes as I handled the knife on those. Many of the parents brought some delicious foods to share and they soon evaporated as they condensed inside the very appreciative connoisseurs.
The excitement of the upcoming performance filled the air. Last minute preparations contributed to the conversations along with explorations on how to maintain the wonderful friendships they discovered during the camp experience. It was also a time for the parents to express their pride in their sons and daughters as well as wishing some final “Good Luck” prior to their eagerly awaited performances.
The Concert began with Vicky Dorney* who led the youth under her care and tutelage as their mentor known as “The Sermonettes.” Their soothing sounds set the anticipatory mood for the great music yet to be shared. Trios, Quartets, Quintets, and more filled the small gazebo with music that filled the enormity of the hearts of all who filled The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain’s* yard. The music continued with groups encouraged by their mentors who included Spencer Reed*, Jay Rattman*, and Jesse Green*.
Any attempt to name all of the performers would only lead to leaving some of them out and they all deserve to be recognized for their talent and their achievements. A similar fate would be visited upon those who I met and shared the experience of the concert with. So, I won’t even try. However, I would like everyone to know it was a blessing for me to see you and I’m very hopeful you’ll be inspired to share your thoughts and recollections with me by leaving a comment on this Blog. I’m sure many would like to learn them, too.
The Next Gazebo Concert at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* will feature Nelson Hill and The Eric Mintel Quartet on Sunday August 10th beginning at 6pm. Please Contact The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain at 570-992-3934 for more information. The 31st Annual COTA* Jazz and Arts Festival will take place September 5th - 7th. The public is invited and encouraged to attend their meetings to help plan this year’s festival and to participate as a volunteer in various areas. Their next meetings will be Tuesdays August 12th and 26th at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA beginning at 7:30pm. Please contact COTA* at 570-424-2210 or visit their website at for more information. You’ll find numerous pictures at The Forwardian Arts Society COTA Camp 08 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.
(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.
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