Sometimes I’m not sure who to be mad at: Monday Morning Quarterbacks or the Lamestream Media. Guess I’ll try both.
I Got Grand Rapids!
Every professional musician has had “that” happen to them. You somehow find yourself in a random conversation with a stranger and the subject of profession comes up. You sheepishly let slip that you are a musician……… a professional musician………….. a professional classical musician……. and you get “The Look.”
Build a Bridge, NOT a Lighthouse!
It occurs to me that the state of the economy seems to shift only incrementally either way, yet orchestras continue to hope that innovation and drastic action will let the good times roll. We may be stuck with the current economic conditions for years to come, and unless we have a multi billion dollar angel of mercy, we have to deal and invest with REALITY and not throw money away on hope….
Perpetual (E)Motion
I took my eldest to a batting clinic recently. He’s an aspiring Little Leaguer with a live arm and a fantastic sense of the game. The coach was trying to get him to make this particular adjustment, which for some strange reason he was having trouble with, and I yelled “it’s just like practicing your violin!” That got me some strange looks.
When Attitude Collides with Altitude – Interpretation
I have not written a post about actual conducting focusing mostly on the ever more uncertain future for the Orchestra business. For some time now I have been pondering the word interpretation which for conductors is everything, since it can bring both glory but also be gory if you miss the mark badly! I think though that accessibility, flexibility and the “environment” need to factored in along with a study…of who is actually in front of you!….Also below: a tribute to a legendary musician….
Uncle Tom’s Orchestra
Racism. Every year someone asks me if there’s much racism in Classical music. My stock answer is “No, not really, at least not amongst musicians. Boards are a different matter, though.” I’m sorry to say that it looks like nothing has changed.
But Nigel, This One Goes to 11 …
I was trolling through The Internets yesterday and stumbled upon a little controversy brewing in the world of classical violinistry. I’m shocked (shocked!) that it hasn’t already kicked the economic crisis off of the front page of the New York Times so I thought I’d give it a little boost. This one, as they say, goes to eleven.
The Trumpet(er) Shall Sound (Off)….
Philadelphia fallout. Or is that Philadelphia Freedom? Either way, the Trumpeter shall sound off.