As we were driving to ballet on Wednesday afternoon a Bach piano concerto came on the radio. Something about that Bach concerto took me back in time. It had me thinking of years ago when I attended the local community college as a student in the orchestra class. I was 10 years old and class was on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 - 6:00.
I loved those Tuesday afternoons. We played a lot of Baroque music (which I love), and often times the instructor of the course would break us up into smaller groups to work on chamber music; quartets, trios, and things like that.
It was during my time there that I learned skills that are crucial for ensemble playing. I learned not only to perform with others....but to listen to the musicians around me; to let my music blend with their music; to follow subtle cues from a conductor so that a room full of individuals could come together to create something spectacular.
I loved those Tuesday afternoons. We played a lot of Baroque music (which I love), and often times the instructor of the course would break us up into smaller groups to work on chamber music; quartets, trios, and things like that.
It was during my time there that I learned skills that are crucial for ensemble playing. I learned not only to perform with others....but to listen to the musicians around me; to let my music blend with their music; to follow subtle cues from a conductor so that a room full of individuals could come together to create something spectacular.
Nearly 20 years have passed since then and I am still utilizing the lessons I learned on those Tuesday afternoons. In fact, I perform violin with the Mid-Columbia Symphony and our first concert of the season just happens to be tomorrow night. I would love to see you there. Here are the details:
Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor
October 3, 2009, 8 pm
Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA
~With guest artist Ruth Boden~
Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA
~With guest artist Ruth Boden~
Also featuring
~Haydn: Symphony No. 83 in G Minor~
~J. Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine~
~Haydn: Symphony No. 83 in G Minor~
~J. Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine~
***Update: I received news that the concert is almost sold out....so hurry, hurry and buy your ticket! (available through Ticketmaster)
