Here I am, five days into the chamber music program which kicks off this year’s orchestra. The percussion section has been hard at work reading orchestral repertoire, practicing our excerpts and rehearsing ensemble pieces to be performed in a concert only a couple of days away. Here at NYO, the intensity of the music-making machinery is so much higher than back at home. There are no meals to cook, no dishes to wash, no room to clean, and no errands to run. My life is entirely dedicated to learning my part and being the best musician I can be. What a luxury! It almost seems like it would be possible to spend my whole life this way; I wake up in the morning, have breakfast waiting for me. I rehearse and take a break for lunch, which is waiting for me. More rehearsal and then supper, steaming hot and ready to go. If only it were that simple. The truth is, although it seems that life is easy, being served at every turn, we are in fact here to serve the music and it takes all the courage and strength in the world to devote oneself entirely to an abstract idea and to share that part of oneself with a hundred other strangers. (Of course they were strangers a few days ago but all of the other musicians of the NYO are slowly becoming friends and I hope that by the end of this summer, they will become a family.) My point is that I have so much respect for everyone here. The energy and the enthusiasm this year is inspiring and I can’t wait to hear everybody’s wind quintets and string quartets. I also can’t wait to delve into the orchestral repertoire.
Je suis sortie pour la troisième fois avec l’équipe de coureurs. On a commencé le premier jour avec une course de 5km en 30 minutes. C’est maintenant notre habitude de courir tous les deux jours et le groupe commence à agrandir. Ce matin, on était une quinzaine de musiciens enthousiastes, et on a couru avec vigueur et vivacité. J’ai hâte au jour ou je vois tout l’orchestre en short! Je suis tellement contente aussi d’avoir le support du professeur de percussion qui est là à chaque matin et qui nous encourage de faire de notre mieux. Thanks John! J’espère que ce sera un exercice qui va nous unifier comme musiciens et qui va contribuer à un total musical encore plus prometteur. Quel meilleur façon de synchroniser nos rythmes que de synchroniser nos pas?
On a side note, I feel compelled to include a small rant. The topic has nothing to do with the orchestra, except that I saw said topic on my way to rehearsal one day and was so stunned that I couldn’t keep walking, even though I was bordering on tardiness. The item being conceived by man himself (and trust me, only a man would ever conceive of something so gargantuan and beefy), I thought that it was my responsibility as a citizen of Earth to bring it to the attention of all other citizens of Earth. I realize that the entire world is not reading my humble blog but hopefully, I will be able to convey my utter disgust to you who, in a wonderful chain reaction, will continue the chain of disgust until said item is no longer being manufactured. Here it is… said item is a….STRETCH HUMMER LIMOUSINE. (I just gagged a little while typing it out.) The worst part is that this beast that some people call a car was plastered with “just married” stickers. What a way to start your life together with someone! I thought marriage was about becoming a responsible adult, declaring your love to your partner, as well as family and friends. I guess some people can’t imagine a better way to do this than to send the oil business into bankruptcy by using up the rest of Earth’s supply in one night and to mess up the planet for their so-called beloved family and friends as well as for their future children. I used to think that yellow Hummers were the worst when it came to arrogant methods of transport but now it has been topped.
Thanks for listening folks. I’ll fill you in soon enough with comments on the upcoming chamber music concerts and the ever-growing running team!
Until next time! |
