It makes my head scratch when an orchestra that is about to begin a search for their next music director on the one hand indicates that they need someone who’s willing to spend more time in their city than their departing music director, but on the other hand indicates in writing that they are not necessarily expecting them to….time to address the dreaded residency question, off to Tuscaloosa we go……..
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Needing a Band(age)
My Audience Connection class is in full swing and below I post my first sound clip of the semester. Lawren read a blog post by Molly Sheridan (Mind the Gap) about a school band t-shirt that “created” an uproar. Darwin is turning in his…now where did he go exactly?…….
South Africa Diary Part 4 – The Cape Crusaders
There used to be a yearly balloon rally outside of Aspen. I remember the one in 1983 the best. There was one balloon that lifted off and it had writing on it that I couldn’t quite make out in the mist. But then it all came clear. It said: “Decadence – A Way of Life.” I can so relate.
Book Review – The Savvy Musician by Dr David Cutler
So you want to be a musician? and Are There Too Many Musicians? These are two questions asked in the introduction by Dr David Cutler author of the soon to be released book The Savvy Musician. With doom and gloom seemingly around every corner for the arts, this book is a like a GPS for musicians to find an alternative route, one that wont just bring a check whilst biding ones time waiting for a “regular job” to appear. No, David goes so far as to suggest that alternatives can help the art form itself become relevant! My neck is sore from all the nodding I was doing whilst reading this, and so I decided to write my first ever book review……..
South Africa Diary Part 3 – Nice Work If You Can Get It
It’s Thursday, the day of the first concert of Renée Fleming in South Africa. Suddenly it has all become real and I need to get ready for the show.
South Africa Diary, Part 2 – IT’S ONLY A FLESH WOUND!
I have the blood of Africa running through my veins, and now I’ll be leaving some of that same blood on the old continent. More about that later.
If I may make a suggestion – if you ever get the chance to go on tour somewhere exotic on the coattails of Renée Fleming – TAKE IT! Renée and her family (daughters, brother & family, mom, personal assistant) got into Durban, South Africa on Tuesday morning. Tuesday at lunch we had our “presentation.” This is when the schedule was revealed.
Another Drumroll Please……
Just a quick note today to say that I am totally thrilled to announce that I have been appointed the Music Director of the Lake Placid Sinfonietta!!!!!! I recently wrote about my time up there and I am excited that I (with my family!) will be getting to spend 6 weeks in the summers collaborating with a terrific Orchestra in one of the most glorious places on earth! Later this week I will post a book review (my first ever) of The Savvy Musician by David Cutler
South Africa Diary – On the ground in the Mother Continent
South Africa has always been an important part in my history and now I’m going back, this time on the coattails of Renée Fleming. Nothing to do now but grab the bags and head to the airport. After a long day arguing with Delta airlines I end up …….. sleeping in my own bed? This is not a good start.