This was in the Capital Newspaper in Annapolis tonight. Obviously, I feel rather strongly about my city and it's Arts CommunityDear Editor,
The whole controversy/uproar over whether or not the space near the Westin is going to work for Annapolis performing Arts groups is a discussion worth having. I am a member of one of those groups, Live Arts Maryland, but at the moment I'd like to put aside that argument and respond to a very disturbing remark that I read in another letter to the Editor.
The letter said that [we] were forced to attend concerts at the Strathmore, Washington D.C., and Baltimore if [we] wanted to attend quality productions. I would suspect that this person has never checked out the local Annapolis arts community. I have been a proud member of a thriving arts community here for almost 30 years. We have a symphony, an opera, a ballet, a chorale, theaters, coffee house venues, smaller ensembles, and galleries. In the past three years those groups have performed Papageno, Tosca, Mozart, Elgar, Rachmaninoff, Haydn, Nutcracker, Carmina Burana, Urinetown, Sweeney Todd, The Lion in Winter, Harvey, and a host of other pieces. They have contributed well and often to our community. When called upon to sing or perform for political functions or to support the city of Annapolis I can say with certainty that they do not hesitate to offer their services. They are well-rehearsed performers who bring their talent and passion to every stage and venue in town.
Do not tell me that you cannot find art in Annapolis. I would suspect that you simply have bought the idea that the "glamour" of big city productions means they are more worthy of your time and money. However, to deny the fact that you can find amazing groups performing here in Annapolis is patently untrue. Our city is a home for artists and performers who work very hard to make ends meet in this economy and who deserve the support of the local citizens. We are the capital of the state. Our LOCAL artists deserve the support of the community in order to promote the home grown talent and keep the money in Annapolis working for Annapolis. I'm not sure that supporting a venue that will bring the "real" out of town artists here is in the spirit of community that Annapolis represents. Before you say you cannot find real performers in Annapolis take this summer and fall to go to a live production of every theater, chorus, orchestra, ballet and opera in town. . .oh, wait - maybe you should take a year to do that because we have so much to offer.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Creating
We sing Haydn's Creation this week. Until last night - I hadn't really connected with the piece yet. I have done it several times before and know it quite well. Does familiarity breed hasty contempt?
And yet, last night, I felt what Haydn felt -must have felt - when he composed the piece. I had chills on, "the wonder of his work displays the firmament". I wanted to shout, 'YES it does!' I'm with my conductor. I own the full box set to Planet Earth. The power of the series is displayed when you pop it into the video projector and a classroom of hardened, jaded, world-savvy, tough 10th graders just burst into spontaneous clapping! Wow, Planet Earth - awesome Miss E!
I am not sure what I believe about Creation. Gasp, my fundamentalist friends go. . . oh well, I'm sorry. For a long time now I pretty much have believed that it is irrelevant. It neither undermines my faith nor enhances it to believe one way or the other. Suppose God said, "Let there be life!" and . . . took his time about it? Hmm? Or suppose God said, "Hey, let's really mess with their heads. . watch this. . instant life - Carbon 14 manipulation! Boy are they going to be surprised when they all get to heaven and I show them the video!" Does it matter?
I serve an awesome God who made light from non-light. I am not particularly interested in how He did it. But it is amazing.
Haydn must have felt that in some way. I have a feeling all great artists are tuned into the Artist of the Universe in some way - they'd have to be. I think we musicians are closer than most though - after all, the morning stars sang together, people are singing around the throne of God - it's the only art that we will take with us to the next life! Gives me hope.
And yet, last night, I felt what Haydn felt -must have felt - when he composed the piece. I had chills on, "the wonder of his work displays the firmament". I wanted to shout, 'YES it does!' I'm with my conductor. I own the full box set to Planet Earth. The power of the series is displayed when you pop it into the video projector and a classroom of hardened, jaded, world-savvy, tough 10th graders just burst into spontaneous clapping! Wow, Planet Earth - awesome Miss E!
I am not sure what I believe about Creation. Gasp, my fundamentalist friends go. . . oh well, I'm sorry. For a long time now I pretty much have believed that it is irrelevant. It neither undermines my faith nor enhances it to believe one way or the other. Suppose God said, "Let there be life!" and . . . took his time about it? Hmm? Or suppose God said, "Hey, let's really mess with their heads. . watch this. . instant life - Carbon 14 manipulation! Boy are they going to be surprised when they all get to heaven and I show them the video!" Does it matter?
I serve an awesome God who made light from non-light. I am not particularly interested in how He did it. But it is amazing.
Haydn must have felt that in some way. I have a feeling all great artists are tuned into the Artist of the Universe in some way - they'd have to be. I think we musicians are closer than most though - after all, the morning stars sang together, people are singing around the throne of God - it's the only art that we will take with us to the next life! Gives me hope.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
LIfeskills 101
Being a musician is an education in how to live.
Things I've learned by being a musician:
1. What you want and what you receive are two entirely different things. For example, I want to stand in X position - great. Glad that is is your desire. Stand there. Lesson learned: oh, I can really bloom where I'm planted ;)
2. People are capricious. For example: I think we should all move counterclockwise while singing the Beethoven Missa Solemnis because it would make the sound better. Lesson learned: Oh, well, I don't get it but it did work. .hmmm. . maybe I don't know everything!
3. Be prepared: For example: Hmm, I cannot even begin to sing the notes, pronounce the words, and watch the conductor at the same time. Lesson learned: Best be prepared because you'll feel like a highly uncomfortable boob when you have to perform.
4. Everyone has a different take on it. For example: Wow, I really sang that well tonight. Followed by, you missed the 16th note on the top of page 124 and it totally ruined the whole piece . Lesson learned: Other people's opinions aren't necessarily the truth.
5. Passion is part of it. For example: missing an entrance because you were stunned by a previous part. Lesson learned: it's okay to let something go because you are investing time in your passion.
Just a few things that come to mind. There are a bazillion more things that I've learned being a musician. They/We are all temperamental in our own way. We all continue anyway. . . because to do less would be to not live.
Things I've learned by being a musician:
1. What you want and what you receive are two entirely different things. For example, I want to stand in X position - great. Glad that is is your desire. Stand there. Lesson learned: oh, I can really bloom where I'm planted ;)
2. People are capricious. For example: I think we should all move counterclockwise while singing the Beethoven Missa Solemnis because it would make the sound better. Lesson learned: Oh, well, I don't get it but it did work. .hmmm. . maybe I don't know everything!
3. Be prepared: For example: Hmm, I cannot even begin to sing the notes, pronounce the words, and watch the conductor at the same time. Lesson learned: Best be prepared because you'll feel like a highly uncomfortable boob when you have to perform.
4. Everyone has a different take on it. For example: Wow, I really sang that well tonight. Followed by, you missed the 16th note on the top of page 124 and it totally ruined the whole piece . Lesson learned: Other people's opinions aren't necessarily the truth.
5. Passion is part of it. For example: missing an entrance because you were stunned by a previous part. Lesson learned: it's okay to let something go because you are investing time in your passion.
Just a few things that come to mind. There are a bazillion more things that I've learned being a musician. They/We are all temperamental in our own way. We all continue anyway. . . because to do less would be to not live.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Easter, sinus infections, and music
Biggest time of the year for me. . .inclusive of Christmas. Easter is the longest and most difficult season to sing. Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday - music, music, music. Throw in a random 2 performances of St. Matthew Passion and you get a rather packed 2 weeks.
Added to that is the clogged ears as a happy by-product of a sinus infection and you have the potential for one frustrated chorister. Fortunately, my voice works. I just feel like I sound like I'm singing in a pillow. Not able to suck enough air to sustain long phrases but am adapting. I went to the doc on Friday and ended up on Augmentin. I'm hoping it kicks in before Wednesday.
In addition, I am starting to exercise this week regularly again. I slacked off - big time and now need to get back into it regularly - daily. So, many new challenges to take on.
I have adjusted to the addition of a new church choir member. . but am still leary of that person's addition to our fold. High maintenance doesn't begin to start the description. However, knowing that we are all high maintenance at times helps and that I have very clear boundaries.
So, I'll keep you posted about Easter.
Added to that is the clogged ears as a happy by-product of a sinus infection and you have the potential for one frustrated chorister. Fortunately, my voice works. I just feel like I sound like I'm singing in a pillow. Not able to suck enough air to sustain long phrases but am adapting. I went to the doc on Friday and ended up on Augmentin. I'm hoping it kicks in before Wednesday.
In addition, I am starting to exercise this week regularly again. I slacked off - big time and now need to get back into it regularly - daily. So, many new challenges to take on.
I have adjusted to the addition of a new church choir member. . but am still leary of that person's addition to our fold. High maintenance doesn't begin to start the description. However, knowing that we are all high maintenance at times helps and that I have very clear boundaries.
So, I'll keep you posted about Easter.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Selig sind. . .
Today, I have the opportunity to sing for a fellow choristers memorial service. Singers. . . even in death we want song. We want to celebrate the music that has moved our hearts and touched us deeply. Our songs define us in many ways. The songs that resonate with us ; that strike a chord in us. . . Your instrument is your voice - an integral, intimate, living part of your very being. There is no separation between the singer and the song. Maybe that is it. Once a song has become organic to you and part of you - even if you die - the song creates a lingering remembrance of you. Choristers - no one really pays us much heed. No one knows if we are intimately engaged (okay, maybe some can guess, but its not always obvious). And it has nothing to do with the quality of my voice. I can be entirely engaged as a singer and not make a beautiful sound. The sounds that come out of my vocal apparatus are produced because I love to sing.
The type of song that means the most to me varies and can be of any genre. The songs that resonate with me are as diverse as "Bridge Over Troubled Water", 'Breath of Heaven", the entire Brahms Requiem, Morten Lauridsen, Mozart "Ave Verum", Be Thou My Vision. . . . and a holy host of others.
When I die, I can think of no greater event than to have all the people singing. . . joining in the grand chorus which I have joined in heaven. Hopefully, God will save a place for me in the choir. . and maybe we'll sing mixed up!
Rest in Peace George
The type of song that means the most to me varies and can be of any genre. The songs that resonate with me are as diverse as "Bridge Over Troubled Water", 'Breath of Heaven", the entire Brahms Requiem, Morten Lauridsen, Mozart "Ave Verum", Be Thou My Vision. . . . and a holy host of others.
When I die, I can think of no greater event than to have all the people singing. . . joining in the grand chorus which I have joined in heaven. Hopefully, God will save a place for me in the choir. . and maybe we'll sing mixed up!
Rest in Peace George
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Two Shows - One Weekend
The impossible is now happening - I'm IN two shows in one weekend. This is a first. In addition to which, I am also simultaneously learning Bach and my part in Oklahoma in addition to playing in the pit (bell girl here) for Good News. Oh, and in the meantime I have to be an even dealer with the people around me.
Still, all in all, think about the excitement that brings into my life. Today, for example, I went to church at 9, sang in the choir for 1 1/2 services, went to Severn - worked from 12:30 - 2:30, took a dinner break, back at 4 and worked until 7:30, then home for a phone meeting with the stage director for Oklahoma. Tomorrow I have to copy 178 pages of score, get it bound, and back to Severn by a 2:00 o'clock downbeat, make a run chart for backstage at Maryland Hall, go to a rehearsal for Bach at 7 and then get home by 11.
I do what I do because it is FUN....as I define it. I love being involved with performing in whatever capacity I am in the performance. You see, it really isn't about me. I cannot deny that I get a kick out of it - no one does anything too long if it is painful - and to that end it does gratify me. However, it really is about creating something to give.
I don't have a lot of worldly possessions. What I have to give is my time, talent, and energy - and my brain I suppose. People keep telling me I've got one :) Sometimes I wish I hadn't listened to people who told me that performing would never make money. I let people tell me how talented I was when I was young - and I believed them. I was rejected for my college concert choir. I wasn't good enough. I would lay even odds that I'm performing more now than most of them. You cannot deny yourself your dream. I preach that to my kids.
I give what I have. I honestly don't know why people ask me to do what I do. I'm not just saying that. I don't know why they trust me. It even scares me when they think I can do a job that they ask me to do in the theater. Everything I've learned I've learned on the job - never took a course - never really became a professional performer/musician.
Here's what I do know. God, in His infinite mercy, gave me some talents to which I owe full effort. I owe effort and I owe fidelity. Fidelity to the highest level of professionalism that I can bring to that effort.
It isn't always easy. .okay, it's never easy. My nature is disinclined to be patient (for a teacher that is huge) and my nature is disinclined to suffer fools lightly. My nature is to have all my ducks in a row, make lists, have everything happen in MY time. What I've learned from performing is really, "to everything their is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven".
Let us rejoice in the complications that come our way. Oh, and take it from one who knows, when you are praying, never, I repeat, never ask God for Patience or Wisdom. Duck and cover when you do
Still, all in all, think about the excitement that brings into my life. Today, for example, I went to church at 9, sang in the choir for 1 1/2 services, went to Severn - worked from 12:30 - 2:30, took a dinner break, back at 4 and worked until 7:30, then home for a phone meeting with the stage director for Oklahoma. Tomorrow I have to copy 178 pages of score, get it bound, and back to Severn by a 2:00 o'clock downbeat, make a run chart for backstage at Maryland Hall, go to a rehearsal for Bach at 7 and then get home by 11.
I do what I do because it is FUN....as I define it. I love being involved with performing in whatever capacity I am in the performance. You see, it really isn't about me. I cannot deny that I get a kick out of it - no one does anything too long if it is painful - and to that end it does gratify me. However, it really is about creating something to give.
I don't have a lot of worldly possessions. What I have to give is my time, talent, and energy - and my brain I suppose. People keep telling me I've got one :) Sometimes I wish I hadn't listened to people who told me that performing would never make money. I let people tell me how talented I was when I was young - and I believed them. I was rejected for my college concert choir. I wasn't good enough. I would lay even odds that I'm performing more now than most of them. You cannot deny yourself your dream. I preach that to my kids.
I give what I have. I honestly don't know why people ask me to do what I do. I'm not just saying that. I don't know why they trust me. It even scares me when they think I can do a job that they ask me to do in the theater. Everything I've learned I've learned on the job - never took a course - never really became a professional performer/musician.
Here's what I do know. God, in His infinite mercy, gave me some talents to which I owe full effort. I owe effort and I owe fidelity. Fidelity to the highest level of professionalism that I can bring to that effort.
It isn't always easy. .okay, it's never easy. My nature is disinclined to be patient (for a teacher that is huge) and my nature is disinclined to suffer fools lightly. My nature is to have all my ducks in a row, make lists, have everything happen in MY time. What I've learned from performing is really, "to everything their is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven".
Let us rejoice in the complications that come our way. Oh, and take it from one who knows, when you are praying, never, I repeat, never ask God for Patience or Wisdom. Duck and cover when you do
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I Sing for a National Symphony Orchestra Conductor
. . .at least 3 times a week.
How amazing is that? How remarkable to think that I get to call this man who conducts this prestigious orchestra my friend.
How incredibly arrogant would it be to think I know better than him about anything musical. How incrediblyarrogant would it be to think his "advice" to me is to be nodded at patronizingly and my own counsel kept in the area of music.
How incredibly arrogant it is to argue with him in rehearsal about anything musical.
And yet - people do it all the time.
No one is perfect, least of all me or, for that matter, my conductor. However, when one sits in front of a master of their art- being teaching, lawyer-ing, ministering, or conducting one should assume that your grasp of the situation is probably less complete than the master in front of you. Back to the day of the "masterpiece". You are an apprentice, or at best a journeyman until you have produced your "masterpiece" in your field of endeavor. I am justifiably proud of my musical achievements - but they hold not a candle to my achievements in education. I am not now, nor will I ever, achieve "master" status in my chosen field of avocation.
What am I saying? That when we criticize or argue with a master in the field we had better be absolutely convinced of our position before we sally forth to do battle. I am often amazed at the lack of respect the chorister gives the conductor. Why is it that musicians who have never been to music school insist on arguing with someone who is successful - beyond successful in their field? Why is it that they insist on arguing with someone who has kept an arts group afloat for over 25 years? I don't get it.
What would I like to have happen? That everyone that I know would realize that they don't know everything. That they can learn if they keep their mouths shut and their opinions quiet until they have all the facts necessary to sally forth. THEN, if you are absolutely sure you know whereof you stand, then and only then should you respectfully question.
Sometimes we forget that our "friend" is also our leader/teacher/master in this area. Taht we absolutely do NOT know more - and that's okay. That our opinion, while still your opinion, is not applicable to the situation. And that if you are absolutely convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are right about how you sing, how the person next to you sings, how you feel about what is being done - then sally forth. Go, do battle. Be prepared, even then, to understand that you might lose - not because you are wrong - but because you are an apprentice.
Learn from those who know. Learn from experience. Learn from mistakes. But don't let your sense of pride keep you from learning. Sometimes you might be surprised that your carefully held convictions about how something "is" are wrong. I know I've been surprised many, many times in the last 4 years. I intend to go on being surprised and therefore increase my knowledge base by learning how to build my own masterpiece.
How amazing is that? How remarkable to think that I get to call this man who conducts this prestigious orchestra my friend.
How incredibly arrogant would it be to think I know better than him about anything musical. How incrediblyarrogant would it be to think his "advice" to me is to be nodded at patronizingly and my own counsel kept in the area of music.
How incredibly arrogant it is to argue with him in rehearsal about anything musical.
And yet - people do it all the time.
No one is perfect, least of all me or, for that matter, my conductor. However, when one sits in front of a master of their art- being teaching, lawyer-ing, ministering, or conducting one should assume that your grasp of the situation is probably less complete than the master in front of you. Back to the day of the "masterpiece". You are an apprentice, or at best a journeyman until you have produced your "masterpiece" in your field of endeavor. I am justifiably proud of my musical achievements - but they hold not a candle to my achievements in education. I am not now, nor will I ever, achieve "master" status in my chosen field of avocation.
What am I saying? That when we criticize or argue with a master in the field we had better be absolutely convinced of our position before we sally forth to do battle. I am often amazed at the lack of respect the chorister gives the conductor. Why is it that musicians who have never been to music school insist on arguing with someone who is successful - beyond successful in their field? Why is it that they insist on arguing with someone who has kept an arts group afloat for over 25 years? I don't get it.
What would I like to have happen? That everyone that I know would realize that they don't know everything. That they can learn if they keep their mouths shut and their opinions quiet until they have all the facts necessary to sally forth. THEN, if you are absolutely sure you know whereof you stand, then and only then should you respectfully question.
Sometimes we forget that our "friend" is also our leader/teacher/master in this area. Taht we absolutely do NOT know more - and that's okay. That our opinion, while still your opinion, is not applicable to the situation. And that if you are absolutely convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are right about how you sing, how the person next to you sings, how you feel about what is being done - then sally forth. Go, do battle. Be prepared, even then, to understand that you might lose - not because you are wrong - but because you are an apprentice.
Learn from those who know. Learn from experience. Learn from mistakes. But don't let your sense of pride keep you from learning. Sometimes you might be surprised that your carefully held convictions about how something "is" are wrong. I know I've been surprised many, many times in the last 4 years. I intend to go on being surprised and therefore increase my knowledge base by learning how to build my own masterpiece.
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