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.