Parting Thoughts

Monday was the GTCYS Symphony's final rehearsal of the season. I wanted to tell the students how proud I am of them before this Sunday's Spring Festival concert at Orchestra Hall. Following are my remarks:

I’d like to say a few words, reflecting back a bit on this year which is ending so very quickly (even if some of you, especially seniors, may think otherwise).

Returning students, next year you will be the glue that holds the group together. You will set the standard with preparation, energy, initiative in dealing with bowing issues or fixing balances or asking about apparent mistakes in the parts, counting rests, making confident entrances – in short, playing like real musicians.

Seniors, many of you have stated that their favorite GTCYS memory is Scheherazade or Carmen, or Jupiter, or one of my many pie facials. Yes, those are all tasty moments which I don’t believe I’ll forget. But special moments for me are also when a student overcomes a musical issue that’s been frustrating him or her. It’s when a shy kid and I have an interesting conversation for the first time. It’s when a student sitting in the back of their section makes eye contact with me during some electric moment in a concert, and at that point in time we both know that we’re sharing something musical which is very special – and it doesn’t matter that the student isn’t first chair.

Everyone contributes to amazing moments and major successes in Symphony, both at rehearsal and in concert. And that’s been especially true this season. Whether it’s practicing scales and excerpts, or counting rests, or taking the initiative in fixing a bowing or balance issue, or marking parts, or just generally playing in such a way that the Minnesota Chorale folks go, “WOW,” this has been very much a student-led orchestra – more than in the past, and in a way which I’m confident will continue into future years. And that is one of the hallmarks of any really good orchestra – that regardless of the conductor’s imprint on it, there’s tremendous initiative, cohesion, pride and enjoyment emanating from the players themselves. I think you all are at least somewhat aware of that dynamic in our Symphony. It’s there, it’s very strong, and it’s just as important in a student orchestra as it is in a professional orchestra. So I wanted to just say that – IT’S THERE. And it’s made this year such a treat, and I thank you for it.

"Carmen" in concert!

This Sunday, May 1, the GTCYS Symphony joins forces with Minnesota Chorale to present portions of Bizet's opera Carmen. This is a one-of-a-kind program, and it's going to be spectacular! Also on deck are Jennifer Higdon's "blue cathedral" and Verdi's overture to La forza del destino.

Concert is at 3pm at Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of Minnesota.

We're charting new paths!

GTCYS is entering into a strategic alliance with the St Paul Chamber Orchestra! We're sharing resources by moving into their office space, and SPCO will give us administrative and fund-raising advice. What we're NOT doing is merging--not now, not later. The organizations are staying independent, and our orchestras will continue rehearsing and performing in the same places, with the same conductors and coaches, that they do now.

We already make some music together. There's the "Saturday Special" chamber music program, in which SPCO musicians coach GTCYS students. And SPCO artistic partners have guest-conducted our rehearsals. It'll be interesting to see which new musical paths we take.

This partnership is especially interesting for its uniqueness. Normally a youth orchestra is completely independent (e.g. Albuquerque, Portland, New York) or it's part of the professional orchestra in town (like in Cleveland and San Francisco). In this unique arrangement we're charting new paths alongside an organization known for its creativity and artistry--and we couldn't be more excited!

Alice Dancing Under the Gallows - Official Trailer

Please watch! It's a wonderful way to spend twelve minutes of your life, and you won't regret it! I did have some technical problems and seem to only get half a screen. If anyone knows how to fix this, please let me know.

And away we go!

GTCYS has kicked off our 39th season. My favorite memory from the first Symphony rehearsal:

We're sight-reading Wagner's Meistersinger Overture. Violins miss easy entrances. I tell them they must count through rests and nail entrances - no excuses. Violins miss more entrances. I tell the violins I meant what I said before. And that they're capable of doing better. And that they must do better...starting now. Violins look alarmed. We switch to Beethoven's 5th Symphony. Violins, figuring this guy's for real, count rests and nail difficult entrances. I'm happy, and let them know it. Violins look elated! When is a student's smile the warmest? When it's been earned!

A sweet New Year - for Everybody

I write this as the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanah, approaches. The concept of a new year in the fall extends well beyond the Jewish world. Labor Day has come and gone, signaling the end of vacation season. Schools are beginning their fall semesters, and organizations like GTCYS gear up for a new year of their own. We all look forward with a sense of hope, perhaps a little nervousness, and hopefully a strong dose of optimism and good cheer. Wherever you are, whatever you undertake in the months ahead, may you experience good health, happiness and fulfillment!

9-11 and Music’s Power

I was recently asked to conduct this year’s 9-11 Memorial Concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. (By the way, we could still use some violin and viola players, so please post a comment or send me a Facebook message if you’d like to participate in the all-volunteer orchestra.)

The concert features great American music like John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen” from the movie Saving Private Ryan, John Philip Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis,” and Howard Hanson’s Second Symphony. I’m looking forward to this event, both because I love the music and because, having been in New York on September 11, 2001, I’m touched personally by it.

Please share your thoughts about music touching you (any kind of music). What is it about the music, or the event where you hear it, that causes a personal reaction? Ever had the experience that a formerly “boring” piece suddenly makes you cry, or that music that you’ve loved suddenly becomes dull? What’s the secret behind music’s power? Thanks for sharing!