It’s proven, we’re smarter and cooler!

Also proven, these studies might make people hate us…. I have 2 pet peeves in our business that are related, the first I will give some detail to explaining, the second is pretty much self explanatory.  Pet Peeve #1: Why on earth do people when studies are released on the benefits of playing an instrument conclude that as musicians we are smarter, cooler, and more fun to be around, I mean what is the point of this other than to try and convince people who do not have musical talent or interest … Continue Reading

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….

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Reinventilating – More ASS in clASSical!

It’s been an extended break from posting with 20 performances in the last month, now on Christmas Day looking back at articles from the last few weeks, I came across yet another bright spark who has hit upon what ails Classical Music….it needs a reinvention!  Yawn….Here we go again…..

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Dissing the Dissonance…a shout out to Alex Ross!

Alex Ross wrote a great article regarding the challenge modern Classical Music faces in being accepted.  It is in the middle of the article that he highlights a great point that cannot be overlooked in my view.  I believe the hatred he talks about is more directed to those who present new music.  As presenters we too like the composers must be creative because it is hardly fair to complain that audiences wont accept something new, when we present it as if it is a premiere happening in 1865!…..

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Quick Takes: How about thinking INSIDE the box? and request time!

A completely overused statement “thinking outside the box” needs to be reworked and soon.  I used to love using it, but now I feel it is a cop out statement as if to say we are going to try something new and different and if it doesn’t work, well at least we tried! Also my new Audience Connections class has begun (16 students!) and like I do every year I am asking for requests of arts related topics and current events for us to discuss in class, and I will post the audio!  Bottom left is the Audience Connection tab if you want to listen to podcasts and read related articles…now to the box….

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Things that move….

I’m in the midst of the busiest schedule of my life in Lake Placid and in Syracuse, with 3 (this week 5) concerts a week till mid August, but that doesn’t mean there is no time to be moved….just not much time to write about it!  Yesterday something struck me and a friend shared with me a clip that reminded me just how we can through music both move and be moved, I also kind of broke an unwritten rule….

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