That anyone considering a career as a soloist be required, as part of their musical training, to spend, at minimum, a full year accompanying others. The whole range – from young beginners playing their first “Twinkle” recital to the most picky and demanding diva.
It Is My Firm Belief Read More »
After years of attending Paperhand Puppet Intervention Summer shows at the Forest Theater in Chapel Hill and thinking “I want to be in that band!”, I’m finally in the band! We’ve been rehearsing in the sweltering Paperhand headquarters in Saxapahaw and the process has been exciting and interesting. The musicians are led by multi-instrumentalist and
What I’m Doing This Summer Read More »
Performing in the US Premier of James MacMillan’s “Saint Luke Passion” this Sunday at 4:00 in Duke Chapel. We’re still in rehearsal but this is an amazing piece – very powerful and VERY dramatic. Beautiful singing by both choirs (children and adults) and a fascinating orchestra score. Info at http://chapel.duke.edu/passion and a video of MacMillan
A New Saint Luke Passion Read More »
One of those web things I found years ago and don’t know the origin of: Golden Rules for Ensemble Playing 1. Everyone should play the same piece. 2. Stop at every repeat sign and discuss in detail whether to take the repeat or not. The audience will love this a lot!
Golden Rules for Ensemble Playing Read More »
“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” Hunter S. Thompson
This, approximately quoted from Gene Medler, founder and artistic director of the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble: How I teach: 1.) Teach them everything you know. 2.) Open every door you possibly can for them. 3.) Get out of their way. Congratulations to Gene and NCYTE on your 30th anniversary!
A Mantra for Teachers Read More »
Duke Vespers Ensemble concert last night. The music starts about 5 minutes in. The orchestra first plays at 12:10 where you can see a close-up of my “thrown together in a couple of hours” violone bow made with a piece of bloodwood donated by John Pringle.
The Leipzig Legacy: Bach and His Predecessors Read More »
“My Song Got Played On Pandora 1 Million Times and All I Got Was $16.89, Less Than What I Make From a Single T-Shirt Sale!” http://thetrichordist.com/2013/06/24/my-song-got-played-on-pandora-1-million-times-and-all-i-got-was-16-89-less-than-what-i-make-from-a-single-t-shirt-sale/ I should note that while this article points out how these Internet music streaming services are run on the backs of the artists, the comparison to the fees paid
State of the Art…. Read More »