“More Cowbell!”
This week feels like it has been an eternity!
However, the total events were less than in previous weeks.
Let’s begin!
Faculty Recitals
This week there were two INCREDIBLE faculty recitals.
Bridge Quintet - this concert had a managery of pieces programmed. It was quite an interesting night. Some memorable moments were the comedic moments of the trombone in Poulenc’s Sonata for Brass Trio, the incredible beauty and flow of Esmail’s Saans for piano trio, and the rich textures of the Bridge Piano Quintet.
An Evening with Schubert - this concert was incredible! Fun fact, they actually ran out of student tickets! I almost didn’t get to go, but there was a group of very persistent students. Eventually, after the main house was seated, any lingering students (about 30-40 of us) were seated on the floor with the performers. This concert programed a mix of some of Schubert’s best chamber works including Erlkönig, The Shepherd on the Rock, and his massive Octet. I loved every minute!
Alexander Technique Class
A new method of balance and moving has approached my studies. The Alexander Technique is a way of moving and balancing our bones evenly so there is no unwanted or unnecessary pain or tension in our bodies. These classes will continue this next week and I am really looking forward to learning more about how to make playing the violin more natural!
Mahler 7
This week’s main event was the practice and performance of Mahler’s 7th Symphony! This was not my first experience playing a Mahler symphony, but it was the first experience I had learning one in less than five days! Our conductor this week was Keith Lockhart. Fun fact, Maestro Lockhart was the music director of the Utah Symphony from 1998-2009, which would lend to the possibility that I have seen him conduct as a kid! He was very easy to work with and very efficient during rehearsals. The music provided its fair share of difficulty. I spent the majority of the week working on Mahler only and not my solo repertoire. The concert was a success, and I felt amazing the work I had done for the performance.
LessonS
In my regular lesson this week, we discussed what it takes to be in a professional orchestra and started working on excerpts for future auditions. I realize that I don’t really know where my future lies, but I know auditions will be a part of it. It was really great to gain some perspective on how to practice for auditions. Which this next week, I will have an audition to be on the New World Symphony sub list! Wish me luck!
I also had a lesson with Caroline Chin. She was amazing and offered new perspective to solving some of the issues I had with learning the Ysaye I am working on. Turns out, in certain situations, playing with flat fingers can be the only way to make the notes work! It will take some practice, but I am looking forward to working on it!
Visit to Ashville
This Friday was the trip to downtown Asheville for the college students. I had missed all the previous trips, so I was looking forward to this one. However, I wasn’t sure of exactly where we were heading, so I totally didn’t look up where I should visit. So, I ended up wandering aimlessly around downtown. I visited three bookstores, one at the library, one new store, and one vintage used store. I also swung into a few boutiques that had some very funny merchandise. Finally, I ended up at a chocolate shop, how Sarah of me! I want to go into downtown Brevard sometime, too, and maybe see some of the waterfalls!
End of session one
This week also marked the end of the first session! I have made it through the first four weeks! There are only three left! It feels like time has flown by so fast, but I still have so much to do! I had to say farewell to many new friends, but I am hoping to maintain contact via social media. The music world is such a small one! I am sure we will all meet again soon!
Thanks for joining me on my journey!
See you next week!
Ciao!
