An Accounting of Ideas

As we get ready to wrap up the 2nd session of Intermediate Concert Orchestra at Interlochen for 2017, I thought it would be cool to take and accounting of the ideas or perspectives that I shared with students over the course of the summer.  This list is by no means exhaustive, but it will give you a quick idea of my thoughts while in front of an ensemble for an extended period of time.

• My tuning procedure

• Concepts in orchestral playing position

• Moving with the phrase

• The concept of inner rhythm

• Listening for "the engine"

• Elements of a moving performance: Technical,  Artistic,  Purpose, Perspective 

• Breathing into entrances and phrases

• "Bumping" the pulse

• Look at conductor during static passages

• Teacher/student: what is your role at any time?

• Harmonic Underpinning

• Deeper dynamic meaning, role, and contrast

• Shifting for color and ease of fingering, not high pitch

• "Chocolate Milk"

• Finding all that is embedded in the music: phrase, push/pull

• The concept of Dynamic vs. Static

• Meeting 3 composers of performed works

• 2 world premiers (Ancient Light, by Peter Terry and Sunset Colors, Alejandro Bernard-Papachryssanthou)

• Lead from any chair

• Extended visual communication

• The conductor's role in a variety of situations

• Good = good, Hard does not necessarily = good

• No 3rd or higher positions does not = easy repertoire

• Artistic performances can move audiences.  Bad performances of hard repertoire doesn't move audiences

Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive.  But, it will give you an idea of the things that I am trying to teach and communicate during rehearsal. There are previous posts on many of these ideas, so I encourage you to check out the blog for my extended thoughts on these concepts.

It has been a great summer!  Thanks to all who have supported me and ICO this summer.  I appreciate you all so much!

Peace.
Scott