Hi all.
It has been a long time since my last post. I have been very busy with life at NCSSM, my various conducting and speaking appearances, and life with a very busy family. I hope to be more active here throughout the spring and, of course, into the summer at Interlochen.
This coming weekend, I will be in Athens, GA to conduct the Georgia 11-12 All State Orchestra. I am very much looking forward to the event and will be conducting Brahms' Tragic Overture, Holst's Jupiter from the Planets, and a great work called Iridium, by Jack Stamp. I understand that this gang has a great reputation for stellar All State performances and I am sure that this year will live up to that reputation.
I certainly hope to inspire the members of the orchestra to new levels and will certainly hit my "core philosophies" of ensemble playing/participation.
1. Develop a visual relationship with the conductor and your colleagues.
2. Commit physically to the music, phrasing, and style of every note in every piece.
3. Enjoy the relational aspect of orchestra playing and interpretation.
4. Listen across the orchestra at all times and be consistently aware of who is driving the rhythmic nature of the piece.
5. Smile liberally. We are making music for goodness sake!
6. Every note has direction. Nothing is ever static. Either go to, depart from, or arrive at with every single note and phrase.
7. Understand the repertoire beyond the perspective of your own part. Own the repertoire beyond the perspective of your own part. In other words, be a functional musician.
8. If you do the rigor ahead of time, in the performance you can stand on that foundation and fully commit to the emotional goals of the repertoire.
9. WORK HARD, HAVE FUN.
Believe it or not, the more I write, the more I think of. I don't want to overwhelm here. In the end, though, this give you an idea of my plans for the weekend. Can't wait!
I will let you know how it goes!
Peace.
Scott
