article for the pan pipes magazine -sai

My summer in TignesBy Kathy Acosta Zavala

My name is Kathy Acosta Zavala and I am a proud member of the AlphaBeta Chapter at the University of Arizona. This past summer I had the mostincredible musical experience, which was made possible thank you to theSummer Music Scholarship that our beloved sisterhood awards every year.

I am a classical guitar player starting my Graduatedegree this year at the University of Arizona and duringmy summer, I attended MusicAlp, a summer program thattakes place during the end of July and beginning of August in Tignes, France. The journey to Europe was initself an unimaginable moment, but getting to study withone of the most renowned teachers and performers in theclassical guitar world was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. I had daily lessons with JudicaelPerroy, who was a charismatic, strict and patient teacher.We worked on my new competition repertoire for theupcoming year and on the pieces that I would keep frommy old repertoire for preliminary rounds in competitions.

During my time in Tignes, I was also able to listen to daily evening concertsfeaturing the other professors, who were top performers in their owninstrumental field. Also, we had several evening lectures being my favorite:J.S. Bach’s Dance Suites by Jacqueline Ross.

The guitar concentration was one of the most dynamic from camp. Wehad a public masterclass and fun excursions with our professor Judicael andthe rest of the guitarists. This allowed me to become very good friends withmy colleagues, whom I hope to visit soon. The guitar concentration also hadan additional end-of-the-session concert, which was well attended and itallowed me to learn a lot from my peers.

I was chosen at the end of the camp to perform at thefinal showcase concert, which took place at the TignesSpace Concert hall. This was such an exiting performanceand I was so honored to have been chosen to represent myinstrument.

The music immersion I experience during my summerin France has taken my music to the next level allowing meto play passionately every day. I feel that this experience willbe forever treasured in my heart, and I can’t thank oursisterhood enough for making this a reality.