“I found my voice in the saxophone" Camilo Bastidas represents ArtEZ at the Conservatorium Talent Awards

"I had no knowledge of music theory, I had never been to the Netherlands, and actually, I had planned to become a veterinarian. Yet there was something in me that said: just try it, sign up for a music course and see how far you get during the audition rounds. Because actually, that was my real dream: to become an artist." We asked Camilo about his journey from his birthplace in Colombia to Aruba and how he ended up in the Netherlands to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Jazz & Pop at ArtEZ Academy of Music in Arnhem.

Below, he describes how he went from an unsuccessful audition candidate to a representative of ArtEZ Academy of Music at the national Conservatory Talent Awards and what the bachelor's programe has given him in this finals story.

The tenor saxophone

"When I first noticed the sound of the saxophone, I was immediately hooked. For a long time, I sang and played guitar in the church in Aruba, but because of incorrect vocal technique, I lost some range and could no longer use it limitlessly. In the sound of the saxophone, I heard exactly what I had begun to miss so much: those rolling tones and making music with bravado. One day, my father stood in front of me with an alto saxophone in his hand -an incredible gift. I had mentioned before that I found the sound of the saxophone so fascinating, but I hadn't thought that I had expressed it convincingly enough to receive one as a gift. He told me, "Do what you want with it."

The first thing Camilo looked up on YouTube was how to play a C major scale. "I thought I could transfer some of my guitar knowledge to the saxophone that way," he says. Five frustrating months followed, in which he just couldn't figure it out, until he figured out that it works differently on an alto saxophone. "Looking back," he says, "through that struggle, I learned to listen incredibly well and unconsciously trained my ear. Once I got a grip on the different saxophones, I actually found my voice back in the tenor saxophone. Since then, I have cherished a great love for the instrument.

Music didn't play a big role in my family growing up. In my birth country Colombia's culture, it is not common for people to pursue a professional career as an artist. I also always thought that I would become something else, like a veterinarian. When we moved to Aruba because of my parents' work, I ended up in the Dutch education system and attended HAVO. During my search for further education, I heard my friends say, "Camillo, you shouldn't pursue a veterinary path; you and that saxophone belong together. You belong onstage."

I had taught myself to play the saxophone via YouTube and had no music theory knowledge at all, so I didn't really see myself being accepted into a conservatory program. Through a friend, I came across ArtEZ and since I was already in the Dutch education system, I already had the correct paperwork. I decided to give it a try, but as expected, I failed during the first audition round because I lacked the right theoretical knowledge.

ArtEZ gave me the chance to try again two months later. I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, "I'm going to do this. I will make sure I get accepted." I had already taken the first step, and there was no turning back. I wanted it so badly that I put all my time and energy into mastering my theoretical skills, such as being able to read and notate music. I asked my musical friends to help. My second audition attempt was successful, so I could move on to the next step: moving to the Netherlands, where I had never been before, to pursue the Jazz & Pop study here with my instrument.

A swinging audience

"During the first year of the Jazz & Pop programme in Arnhem, I was placed in all kinds of bands and ensembles. I remember one of my first performances with a jazz orchestra very well. I was extremely nervous and looked anxiously at the audience. They looked back at me sternly and I thought that was how it was supposed to be. Then, in a similar setting later during a Latin concert, something clicked. This time, when I looked at the audience, I saw that their reaction was completely different: people were swaying and laughing. I thought, "this is who I am. This is what I want to do." During the course, I developed as a jazz musician but also rediscovered my Colombian roots: salsa and Latin music."

Conservatory Talent Awards

"The first years in the Netherlands were a bit cold and, at the same time, heartwarming for this South American. Within the walls of the conservatory, I quickly found friends, and for the past 4 years, I have spent almost every weekday here, from early morning until late at night. I seized all the opportunities I could to learn something. I have been able to play in all kinds of bands and groups, and I have learned a lot. My growth as an artist has even taken such big steps that I am now representing ArtEZ Academy of Music at the Conservatory Talent Awards. I even get to do this with one of my own jazz compositions, which is something I am extremely proud of. I wouldn't have dared to dream of that 5 years ago!"

ArtEZ finals

With some nostalgia, Camilo reflects on his upcoming graduation and the fact that his time at ArtEZ is almost over. "I have found my extended family here and gained a lot of experience," he says. "I have gotten to know myself here, yet it is time to move on. Before that happens, though, I am going to pull out all the stops for my final exam with an evening program full of dance and music at Musis. I will showcase both self-written songs and covers, accompanied by an 18-piece orchestra. I warmly invite everyone to join us for this evening!" You can find more information about Camilo's graduation showcase here.

More information about the Bachelor's course Jazz & Pop in Arnhem

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