The Festival Life: Being a student at EMF

KIPP JOHNSON: End of Festival Survey

2006-07-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

What has been the social highlight of the festival?

The social highlight of the festival was probably the day we went to the waterpark. It was great to get to spend a day relaxing and getting to know everyone outside of the musical setting. I also enjoyed playing soccer and basketball in the afternoons, and then hanging out or going for food in the evenings.

What has been the musical highlight of the festival?

Playing music, I would say the Rite of Spring concert was the highlight, but for overall musical highlights, I would have to say getting to hear the faculty perform, specifically the Shostakovich Cello Concerto, the Mozart Horn Quintet, and Pines of Rome.

How have you changed since you've been at EMF?

I've learned a lot about how musicianship changes in an orchestral setting. The playing responsibilities as a member of a section in an orchestra are different from being a soloist or an individual musician. My biggest change has been how I approach my playing, both in the orchestra and outside of it. I'm coming to realize the level of focus and concentration required to do justice to the music. Its about playing the music and not just the notes on the page. I feel like I'm starting to take more risks and be more adventurous in my playing in trying to understand and convey what the music is about instead of focusing on the purely technical side of "playing the page".

What are you looking forward to for yourself in the upcoming school year?

I will be auditioning for graduate schools and orchestral programs, so I'm excited to be moving on to the next level for my education.

SHELLEY ACKERMAN: Last Blog Survey

2006-07-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

What has been the social highlight of the festival?
-Spending time with my friends. We have enjoyed watching movies, dancing, and hanging out. I have met some really inspirational and sweet people here....Emi, Carla, and Julia...I love you guys so much and will miss you terribly!!!

What has been the musical highlight of the festival?
-Playing the Rite of Spring, and just playing in a large symphony orchestra.

Did you have any pre-conceived ideas of the festival that were incorrect?
-I was not sure what the social "scene" here would be like. I figured that people would be less social than my friends at home and would mainly practice during free time

How have you changed since you’ve been at EMF?
-I feel like I have become a better flutist during these past weeks.

What other kind of things are your friends doing this summer? How do you think your experiences compare?
-I have three best friends at home. One of them is at Aspen Music Festival on cello. We are having very similar times, although her schedule is much less structured. Another one is a CIT at a camp back in California. She is working a lot - however, we have both been having a lot of fun. My third best friend is at home doing summer school...and I am assuming that I am having a better time than her..hehe.

Are you planning to come back next year?
-Definetly!

What would make EMF even better?
-The food at Guilford College isn't very good...better food would be great.

What are you looking forward to for yourself in the upcoming school year?
-I was invited to play in a concert series which I am very excited about. I will also be playing on the radio a few times and am excited to start my sophmore year of high school. I of course am exited to keep improving my flute playing.

KIPP JOHNSON: Lunch with EMF Donors

2006-07-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

Today I got to have lunch with some of the EMF donors. It was really great to see how supportive the Greensboro community is of the arts. They asked a lot of questions about where I was from and how I was spending my time here, but we quickly moved on to discussing more interesting things like the role of the conductor in an orchestra and the differences between student orchestra and proffesional orchestra rehearsal techniques.
Speaking of rehearsals, the past few days have been a bit rough. Perhaps its just the aftermath of the challenging repertoire of the last concert, but the orchestra I'm playing in has had a hard time focusing in rehearsals. The same musicians who performed so well on the Rite of Spring are suddenly having trouble counting and staying together on much simpler pieces. I suspect the rigourous playing schedule is partly responsible, and I'm sure we'll pull things together in time for the concert, but it definitely provides some insight into the mental demands of a professional musician. Fortunately we had sectionals tonight, so tomorrows rehearsal should go much more smoothly.

JENNIFER STEINFELD: Ecstatic Musicians Feuding

2006-07-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

Ecstatic Musicians Feuding....
I dunno....it sounded better in my head.....
Ecstatic Musicians Fugue-ing....
I like that one better...
well, anyway! I got my first letter in the mail today!!!! I'm really excited! because now I know that my friends really do care about me!....or they just have WAAAAY too much time on their hands....
personally I've sent about 3 or 4 letters, and so far I have received 2. but the first one doesn't count, because my mommy wrote it...and I was with her when she wrote it....
so my second letter, which I picked up at lunchtime today was from my best friend back home, Kerith. she wrote it on a bunch of little sheets of notepad paper from the Best Western Tumwater Inn in WA...not that she's actually in Washington, it was just the only paper she had around. but I'm very excited she actually sent me something. she told me to be expecting a package soon...so I hope its something interesting...which reminds me, Emily has received two packages. the first one we sort of shared, so I guess you could say I got half a package too....but whatever. we were so excited when we got it that I documented it on camera...but I ended up deleting most of the pictures because I was running out of memory on my camera phone....
Emily just came home from shopping with her mother....she got a really pretty skirt that reminds me of Mexico, tank tops to match, free hangers, purple eye liner, Apples to Apples, which by the way is the BEST GAME KNOWN TO MAN!!!!!, two new DVDs, blank CDs and...she got foundation.
well, I'm gunna head out because I just realized I have chamber coaching in 25 min. and my Emily just gave me a fortune cookie....
"Birds are entangled by their feet and men by their tongues"

KEVIN ROGERS: Alone Together...

2006-07-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

Musicians are very sensitive people. You have to be in order to express emotion without words. We also are very self critical. So naturally, most of us are self concious, more so than in other careers by nature of what we do. Because some of us are less than secure with ourselves, sometimes we manifest that by cutting down others around us; typically those who stand out. [so maybe we all feel alone in the end, so maybe we're all together in that fact...]

Something I've learned about people is that no one is truly mean at heart, or "evil." In fact to me, I feel that most people are struggling within, and sometimes some of that struggle gets let out without us knowing it. and if two people meet at the wrong time, then you have a problem.

The first thing is, I'm insecure. With a lot of different things. I'm also aware of this insecurity, aware in a way that I can control my actions. I think because I know how much it hurts myself to be the object of antagonization, I'm more compassionate towards not being the giver of such. And because I've been the giver, I know how awful it can be to me and to the other person. Certain things can't truly be known how bad they are, until you experience them yourself.

Lately I've seen some of my friends here becoming the object of rumors. It's almost seems typical at a place of sensitive artist, living in close proximity, for several weeks. I think that all this drama kind of happens because we all feel alone sometimes.

The other day I was ushering. I'm not going to mention who it was, but someone came up to me who works at the festival and asked me if anyone could sit in the seats with red covers. Even the nobodys, because she/he stated that they were a nobody. She/he said it twice. It almost was an allusion to Josef Conrad's heart of darkness; "the horror, the horror." The first utterance being a summation, the second being a judgement. I looked into her eyes, and said she could sit anywhere she wanted, but I was almost lost in the sorrow that was held within her. I started wondering about the story of that person, about why they feel that way...who caused such heaviness? Then I thought about me. What's worse, the person that in someone's past made them feel less than valued, or the person now, who never says otherwise...

Music is a very intimate art. Our emotions are put up on display, to be seen by all. Being gawked at by those around us sometimes can make us feel even more fragile than we already are. We all feel alone sometimes I guess. Maybe, we're all together in that.

SHELLEY ACKERMAN: The EMF Quiz

2006-07-10T16:59:00.000-05:00

1. In the three weeks left at EMF, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to amazing orchestral experiences and performances in addition to continuing to make friends and socialize.

2. Who is your favorite staff/faculty member so far?
All of the flute faculty, especially my teacher Brian Gordon, are inspirational musicians. I have learned so much ALREADY in my private lessons and masterclasses. I have also enjoyed getting to known my counselor Kim.

3. Which, of the concerts you've attended, have you most enjoyed?
I have enjoyed everything! However, the Joshua Bell concert and Canadian Brass concert have been my favorites!

4. What is your favorite (non-music) way to pass the time between rehearsals?
Everyday I go to the gym to workout between rehearsals. I also hang out with friends.

5. How is your private teacher here different from your teacher at home?
here my teacher is more into finding for me the comfortable and very centered approach. My teacher back home is more into this is the proper technique. My teacher here uses the proper technique but she also talks very much about being comfortable and disciplined. the difference is philosophy. My teacher here has been reviewing a lot of flute basics, which I never really learned when I was younger. My teacher at home works a lot on my sound and many pieces. They are both inspirational teachers.

6.What three words would you use to describe Eastern Music Festival using the same acronym?
Exciting Musical Fun

7. What are your plans for tomorrow?
Tomorrow since I don't have rehearsal I am sleeping in (yay!), going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and then going to chamber music rehearsal and the GFO orchestra concert.

KEVIN ROGERS: Blog Quiz

2006-07-10T16:58:00.000-05:00

In the three weeks left at EMF, what are you looking forward to the most?
I'm looking forward to profound musical developement the most. I'm here for music, I'm here because of passion.

Who is your favorite staff/faculty member so far?
I don't really have a favorite staff member, having favorites for me is hard. How can I say who is my favorite when so many people mean so many things? In the end, I respect and admire so many people, picking a favorite faculty member seems as absurd as picking favorites in friends and family. I just can't pick a favorite, a festival isn't one person.

Which, of the concerts you've attended, have you most enjoyed?
I would have to say, the concert tonight of the EFO [the other student orchestra]. Because they did some very nice things with difficult repertoire. I have a lot of respect for musicians who are able to do things like that, especially those as young and with less experience as professionals.

What is your favorite (non-music) way to pass the time between rehearsals?
I really don't pass time with something other music, If I do, it's writing poetry. My passions beside music are literature and math [specifically math]. That officially makes me a dork. I can't pick a favorite to do, but here at emf, having inspiration it's more poetry.

Name one new person you have met at EMF this year and what you like about them:
I don't know what to say or who in this one. There's not just one person. Probably Scott's kids because they are probably the most adorable babies i've ever seen.

What section do you think your conductor spends the most time with?
Instrumental section: strings [because we need the most work].

How is your private teacher here different from your teacher at home?
here my teacher is more into finding for me the comfortable and very centered approach. My teacher back home is more into this is the proper technique. My teacher here uses the proper technique but she also talks very much about being comfortable and disciplined. the difference is philosophy.

What three words would you use to describe Eastern Music Festival using the same acronym?
Eternally i'm Musically grateFul

What are your plans for tomorrow?
Rehearsal...lunch, practice, musically speaking seminar, dinner, then a sweet awesome concert!

KIPP JOHNSON: Blog Survey

2006-07-10T08:32:00.000-05:00

In the three weeks left at EMF, what are you looking forward to the most?

I'm looking forward to the mock audition that the horn faculty are running. This is separate from the EMF mock audition, but the feedback and experience should be invaluable. Of course I also look forward to all the performance oppurtunities and individual instruction as well. In the near future, I will play 1st horn on the tchaikovsky piano concerto, so that's really exciting.

Who is your favorite staff/faculty member so far?

I'm thrilled to be studying with Thomas Jöstlein, he's a fantastic person with tremendous music insight. All the horn faculty are great and I hope to get more time learning from all of them. The conductors, José-Luis Novo and Scott Sandmeier are both terrific musicians as well, and I've learned a lot from them both in rehearsals and around the meal table.

Which, of the concerts you've attended, have you most enjoyed?

The chamber music recital with Thomas playing the mozart horn quintet has been my favorite so far. I didn't get to go to the Joshua Bell and Rosenkavlier EPO concert, but the dress rehearsal was awesome.

What is your favorite (non-music) way to pass the time between rehearsals?

Basketball and hanging out with the horn section. We've had some great discussions about all sorts of non-musical subjects, especially comparing things like food and accents from various parts of the country.

Name one new person you have met at EMF this year and what you like about them.

I met Adam Weber, a horn student at Boston University. We've had some great conversations becuause we are both upperclassmen at our respective universities and are confronted with many similar difficulties in playing the horn. He's also a great horn player and a lot of fun to collaborate with.

What section do you think your conductor spends the most time with?

They balance it out really well and are good at involving multiple sections at the same time. Much of the rehearsal time is spent trying to allow the musicians to hear what the other sections are doing, so its rare that one section is singled out, usually sections rehearse in groups of two or three. That being said, there is a general emphasis on the section leaders, so the solo and principal woodwinds and strings get most of the comments, then pass them along to their sections.

How is your private teacher here different from your teacher at home?

There are many differences, but the main distinction is in the teaching approach. At home, my teacher used a very disciplined approach with regulated practice times and techniques that focus on overcoming the technical challenges of the instrument. Here, Thomas is having me focus on the musical ideas I'm trying to convey rather than the physical processes required to play the horn. Its a difference in state-of-mind, and really attacking the issues of playing the instrument in two different ways. I feel fortunate to experiance both approaches because I believe there is much to be gained from both views, and a balance between them is required to be successful and musical.

What are your plans for tomorrow?

Tomorrow (saturday) I will go to the EPO dress rehearsal to hear brahms 3 and rachmoninoff piano concerto 2 since I don't have tickets to the concert. I have rehearsal for the EFO tomorrow afternoon, then I'll try to go to the concert in the evening if I can. The rest of the day will be spent practicing for my lesson monday and working on the mock audition repertoire.

JENNIFER STEINFELD

2006-07-09T13:19:00.000-05:00

ok, yeah, sorry, i havnt been posting much. but hey, ive been busy! so, because i havnt posted, yall missed out on the whole Joshua Bell Concert experience. in a nutshell, it was ridiculously intense, and absolutely fantasmic. it was AMAZING to hear him play!

my first concert was two days ago, on thursday night. my mommy came down from Annapolis and i took her out for chinese before the concert, then we went to the concert, it was fun and exhausting, and very hot (wearing all black when sitting under a spotlight and playing The Rite of Spring is not a good idea, unless you want heat stroke.....which isnt really something i care to experience ;-) ) but besides the heat and exhaustion from playing, it was fun, and i think we did a good job! last night was my roommates concert, and i think her concert was really good too....maybe not as good as mine :-P but it was close.

In the three weeks left at EMF, what are you looking forward to the most?

musically, im looking forward to the last concert, because i really want to play the Bernstein dances from West Side Story. and personally, im kinda looking forward to going home. three of my best friends are coming down to see my last concert and pick me up. im really really excited. not that im not having a good time here, i just miss my friends.

Who is your favorite staff/faculty member so far?

well, i havnt met too many so far, unfortunately. therefore, i would have to say its probably a tie between my Viola teacher, Diane Pheonix, who is extremely nice and fun to work with. im already learning a lot from her. or Jose Luis Novo. he recently became the conductor of my hometown symphony, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, so he knows my viola teacher from home, but hes also a lot of fun to work with. he is funny and hes a really good conductor. im excited that i get to have him as my conductor two times in a row.

Which, of the concerts you’ve attended, have you most enjoyed?
either the Joshua Bell concert or the first Piano Recital. seeing Joshua Bell was amazing because...well...hes Joshua Bell...but i love piano music, and the piano students here are soooo amazing! their concerts are probably my favorite.

What is your favorite (non-music) way to pass the time between rehearsals?

hahahaha....well, the first few days, my room mate, Emily, brought DVDs with her so we spent most of our time watching bits and pieces of Pride and Prejudice (the new one with Kiera Knightly and Matthew McFayden) but now, she asked her mom to send her the first two seasons of Friends on DVD, which is easier because we can watch them one episode at a time instead of having to have to find which chapter we were in. :-)

Name one new person you have met at EMF this year and what you like about them.

one new person? hmm....the obvious choice would be my room mate, Emmy, because...well...she's my roommate....and we get along very well, but if not my Emmy, i would have to say Angelica and Rebekah, the combination of the two is....simply irresistable! they are hilarious and definately help to wake me up at early morning rehersals.

What section do you think your conductor spends the most time with?

woodwinds.

How is your private teacher here different from your teacher at home?

i dont know if i can truely give this question justice. i dont know Diane as well as i know my teacher from home, Susan. i think Diane will help me recognize new problems and give me new ways to fix them. ive seen Susan for such a long time thats its almost like doing the same old thing over and over.

What three words would you use to describe Eastern Music Festival using the same acronym?

Early Morning musical Fiasco

or, Elephants Making Fruitshakes

What are your plans for tomorrow?

well, i dont have rehersal tomorrow....so maybe ill come up with a few more acronyms for you....Eggplant Mushroom Fritata...or ill practice...maybe watch Friends inbetween chunks of practicing and most likely i'll go to the pops concert at 6:30 on the lawn outside of Dana...hope to see you there!

KEVIN ROGERS: A Case of the Mondays

2006-07-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

The weekend really throws you out of wack in terms of concentration and schedules. You get out of practice easier and also your mind wanders more. On monday you don't play as well, and that happened to me. Today was a case of the mondays...name that quote and you have culture.

After rehearsal I sat at lunch, then practiced, then ate an early dinner and just kind of did an assortment of fun things. I was a little emotionally occupied today by stresses in my life, but I feel everyday it's easier to handle. Otherwise a pretty uneventful day.

Here at festival there is a large question of musical integrity and etiquette. By this I mean, playing the music with an energy and passion, with an intent that's musical. The etiquette comes more into a question of ethics. The two seem to be intertwined, because in order to traverse the canals of musical integrity you must do so with tact and an air of humility. I fail at this miserably sometimes, but we all stumble sometimes, we all tip the canoe. But the cool thing is people will help you flip the canoe over and pull you back in. That's integrity of character for those that I've tipped into the water before. Being in this pseudo professional environment you instinctively feel certain ways to phrase things. Sometimes it's wrong sometimes right, but you make mistakes in everything and figure out the right. I talked to Sandmeier today about how to phrase something, and he said be careful not to step on anyone's toes. This is very true, because a lot of times musicians are very critical on themselves as it is. Hearing things said with a negative conotation can create even more distress and hurt many people. I've been hurt this way. In the end, it's about maintaining a healthy balance of being assertive for the musical integrity but being compassionate for the feelings of everyone around. So now that I've got some shadow of something in my head I can start to bring some light forth into my own musical integrity.

KIPP JOHNSON: Rehearsing is an intriguing process

2006-07-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

I've always found rehearsing music to be an intriguing process. A conductor once told me that rehearsals aren't meant for you to learn your part, they're meant for you to learn everyone else's parts. After spending the past few days working on the Berlioz Symphony Fantastique, I've developed a much greater appreciation for the incredible orchestration of the piece. There is some great interplay and counterpoint in the woodwind section, but it goes by so quickly that I never noticed it before. Perhaps the coolest part of getting to rehearse the piece is hearing the different sections broken up to fix details, then reassembled again. The harps play some amazing melodies and accompaniments, but when the whole orchestra is playing, it's hard to hear all the intricacies of their part. I learn new things about the piece at every rehearsal, so its been a real eye-opening week in that regard.

The band concert on Thursday went pretty well. It was a lot of fun to play, and I thought that everyone performed well considering the short amount of time for rehearsal and preparation. There were a couple of rough spots, but the audience seemed to enjoy it, and the faculty soloists were outstanding.

I'm playing in a woodwind quintet for my chamber music group. It's my first time in this type of chamber ensemble, but so far it's gone really well. All the members get along and play well, so the rehearsals have been very productive. I'm looking forward to making some great music with them over the next few weeks.

KEVIN ROGERS: Imperfectly Perfect

2006-07-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

A day absent blogging and I may start a habit, I've got to be careful.

Yesterday I saw Joshua Bell perform the Sibelius violin concerto...[bliss!!!]. I love that concerto. There's so much humanity in all of that piece, and Josh put so much of his own humanity into. Sometimes I feel that he gets a bad rap about things because he does things very much his own way, but personally i find that refreshing. With most violinist I sit and analyze how great they are, but Mr. Bell I just sat and listened. The best part was I could just listen and experience all of the music and all of what he was putting into it. Joshua Bell is so much more than just the word amazing...

I auditioned for the concerto competition. I wasn't too pleased with my playing, but I was relaxed. I arrived an hour and a half early and my close friend here gave me a back massage. That's definitely the way to go, get a back massage before you play...you'll be amazing.

Getting up tomorrow is going to be a hard job to do. I have enough trouble on weekdays. I think the motivation of embarrassment and disappointment will get me up.

The humidity and weather up here is summer...definitely so.

Friendship is rare, people who actually enjoy your company just because is rare. But I've definitely got such a thing here at EMF. Everyone here is very accepting of being a dork. Today some people pointed out a baby raccoon. We named he/she walter. It just seemed to fit. Afterwards we decided to go star gazing in the very back soccer field. I started to hear something in the woods, but it never came out. The sky wasn't so dark, but the trees were alive with this vibrant light show of lightning bugs. There were thousands of these lightning bugs creating this entirely random and entirely natural beauty. Sometimes we lose sight of things, but tonight I realized something and it reminded me of the movie Dead Poets Society. Robin Williams says something to the effect of, having money and a job are important to sustain life, but poetry, music, passion, and love those are the things we live for. So here I am, living for music, living for passion, living for the celebration of how entirely imperfectly perfect life really is.

KEVIN ROGERS: Seven Hours of playing

2006-07-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

Seven hours of work today, or rather playing. It was a good day. Rehearsal today went by fairly quickly, we got a lot of work done. For lunch today I sat with the two conductors. I think that's pretty awesome that they take time to come and eat with us, pay for food that isn't very good just so that they can have comradery with us.

After lunch I practiced. My teacher here has already given me some very helpful discipline things. I made a lot of progress today on some of my rep. After personal practice I headed over to my chamber group. Rehearsing today sounded infinitely better than the sight reading yesterday. We can definitely play the Brahms.

After rehearsal I tried to practice but my back was feeling a little tense so I decided it would be best for me to rest. Then I went to dinner and headed to sectionals. Being in sternberger rehearsal area with only the violins really exposes a lot of the problems. The thing that I was pleased with the most was how quickly we were able to fix things. I feel that the concert will awesome.

Sleeping in tomorrow will be awesome. Oh the joys of sleeping in!

SHELLEY ACKERMAN: Blog 2

2006-07-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!
...I have been soo busy here at EMF! Between going to rehearsals, classes, and making time to practice and workout...I have been running around all day!

EMF is such an inspirational place - all of the repetoire is amazing and everyone continues to amaze me with their musical talent.

I am playing Stravinsky's Right of Spring - Our conductor is outstanding and the music is so much fun (and hard!).

I have made quite a few friends here...and my roommate Catherine is really sweet.

: ) Shelley

KEVIN ROGERS: June 29

2006-07-02T22:37:00.000-05:00

The waking up early part of EMF is starting to catch up to me, sort of. I lost some concentration today in rehearsal, but I was able to get myself back on track for the last couple of hours. Everyday the orchestra sounds better and better.

Chamber groups met today for the first time. There is some major excitement coming up with the Brahms piano quintet. The pianist is amazing, she has to be to play that piece. I was really impressed as well with the other string members as well. The sight reading was a bit rough, but Brahms is definitely a hard piece to sight read. I definitely in nervous anticipation [good of course] for the upcoming weeks to play this piece.

I did laundry for the first, that was fun.

I have a lot of work that I need to do. I have a lot of discipline things that I should do with my own playing. My mind has some things on it that are kind of hindering that. Sometimes the emotional part of you can affect things you wouldn't expect. Violin is truly a full body experience.

JENNIFER STEINFELD: Third Day at EMF

2006-06-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

third day at EMF

seating placement went up today! I'm sitting 3rd out of 6 stands and I'm seat 3a which means I'm on the outside so I'm kinda like "Viola #5" which I'm happy about. we had our first rehearsal today and sight-read The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, Prelude and Liebstod from Tristan + Isolde by Wagner, Intermezzo from Act III from Manon Lescaut by Puccini and lastly (my favorite composers name) Prelude from Hansel and Gretel by....dun dun dun...Humperdink. lol, every time I hear that name I think of the movie the Princess Bride and Prince Humperdink.

so, after waking up on the late side today, Emmy and I watched Chocolat. we were taking advantage of probably the last time we will have free time in the morning.

I really don't have too much to write about right now. I'm kinda burnt out from the day.

oh right, we did a sight reading thingy tonight. it wasn't that bad. it was actually kinda fun. my orchestra played a really nice section of a super long piece by Mahler. it was nice. apparently people can come watch us sight-read for $5...I don't really know who would want to do that, I mean, seeing the behind the scenes work of an orchestra is cool, but $5? you could like....buy take out Chinese with that. or a used CD, or two ice cream cones, or 5 items from the $ menu at McDonalds. although I personally wouldn't like to go to McDonalds....its kinda gross.....

well, anyway, I'm tired, Emmy is reading Jane Austen, and I wouldn't mind settling down with a few crazy easy crosswords....maybe I can get another 6 done before Emmy wants lights out...

KIPP JOHNSON: Hard to believe

2006-06-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe how much has happened over the past few days. On Saturday night (June 24th), I went to go see the Eastern Philharmonic Orchestra composed of the EMF faculty, then last night (Monday, June 26th) I got to hear the faculty play some chamber music. The chamber concert focused on the music of W.A. Mozart, but many of the pieces were transcriptions. It was interesting to hear arias from The Magic Flute played as flute duets, or a Mozart piano sonata played by saxophone quartet. The real highlight of the evening for me was hearing Mozart's horn quintet featuring Thomas Jöstlein on horn. Since he's the teacher with whom I'll be studying, I was excited to have the opportunity to hear him play such a virtuosic piece. Needless to say, he nailed it, giving a technically impressive and musically insightful performance. I consider myself extremely fortunate to get to work with him over the next few weeks.
Aside from the performances, the bulk of my time has been spent in rehearsals and individual practice time. The wind players have been practicing for the Star Spangled Favorites band concert this Thursday. While I prefer playing in an orchestra, I've enjoyed preparing this concert because not only are their two fantastic faculty soloists, but there are faculty members playing in the band as well. Kevin Reid is the faculty member playing in the horn section, and its been a great experience to play next to a professional in a rehearsal setting. The concert should be a blast.
The orchestras had their first rehearsals today (Tuesday June 27 th). Since it was the first rehearsal of the festival, many people didn't know which parts they would be playing and consequently were sight-reading at the rehearsal. Despite the lack of preparation, the rehearsal went well and we made it through the Debussey Nocturnes and Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique. These are both amazing pieces with some truly spectacular orchestration effects. Although neither piece is new to me, every time I play them they always sound new because of the sublime nature of the music and orchestration.
Outside of the music activities, I have had the chance to meet people from all over the country. I picked up some great information about some potential graduate schools I might apply to next year. I've also met some fellow athletes who've taken advantage of the sports facilities to play ultimate Frisbee and basketball. Unfortunately, the rain has kept us indoors most of the time, but when the athletic center is open, we take advantage of the indoor facilities.
So far so good!
-Kipp

KEVIN ROGERS: Something called music...

2006-06-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

Today started off a little slow. But I feel this is a good thing considering that the next four or so weeks will be just the opposite. I woke up and skipped breakfast then I went and just sat in the lounge to the cafeteria and thought about things. Just sitting and thinking sometimes helps me with stress.

Orchestra postings came in today at noon, and of course Ms. Edwards was swamped by eager students hoping for good seats, seats they can brag about to mom and dad. What I love about EMF is I have always had this feeling that every seat is a good seat. I never had any bad vibes from where I was sitting. Sitting anywhere kind of is a bragging right on its own. I'm in the GFO playing the Berlioz. I would have loved to have been chosen to be in the EFO [the one playing rite of spring] but now I get to watch this performance instead. I've got a lot of notes to learn haha.

The first orchestra rehearsal wasn't as bad as I was expecting. We actually ended up playing really well. I was impressed, especially by the brass section. They did an amazing job in the finale of the Berlioz. I'm really excited about this concert. The post concert "high" will be pretty amazing.

Side note: the food is getting bettter, or maybe i'm just getting use to it.

Tonight we had a sight reading session with Gerard Schwarz. That was wonderful. I really enjoyed playing under him, playing the repertoire with the faculty as well. It was a good time. Everytime I'm back at EMF I realize even more why I'm playing violin, why I'm doin this. Sometimes at school you get so distracted with pushing yourself to be succesful you forgot about something called music...

SHELLEY ACKERMAN: First Days...

2006-06-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! EMF is so much fun. All of the students here are very sweet, and extremely talented as well.I got here on Friday, a day early, and immediately made some friends. Their names are Ruby, Becky, and Paul. They are so sweet and fun!
Today we had the first band rehearsal. Although Mr. Schwarz did not make it, we had a lot of fun reading the music.Today was also my audition...which didn't go too well...but I am sure that I will have fun no matter what seat I get for the first week. (All of the flute players are absolutely amazing - I am honored to be a part of the flute "group" this season).
Ruby played in the first piano recital tonight - she was so amazing. Well...all of the pianists were amazing.
Time to go to bed...early band rehearsal tomorrow morning! (Tomorrow is also the first day of orchestra rehearsals).
: ) shelley

JENNIFER STEINFELD: My first entry

2006-06-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

My first entry! yay! hello everyone! as yawl know from my bio, my name is Jenifer Steinfeld and I’m from Annapolis, MD. this is my first time at EMF and I think its really cool that I get to document it in a blog. I play the Viola, as does my roommate Emily.

so I have about three other blogs in which I already started talking about my time here at EMF and I decided, hey, why not recycle? so, I’m going to copy and paste together a collage of thoughts from the first day, and second day so I don’t have to attempt to very badly summarize everything which has happened. :-)

btw, this was written June 24 when I first got here. I have to borrow my roommates computer because I didn’t bring my own.

sooo....I’m at EMF now

for those of you who didn’t know EMF is the music school I got accepted to. yay!

so, I met my room mate, the ever so lovely Emily Hornbake. she happens to be absolutely AMAZING!!! so, she opens the door in an Audrey Hepburn tee shirt and jeans, her "suit case" is a chest, and her phone looks like something from the 50s. she has 3 uber sweet photos, very vintage artistic photos, and 3 books, the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, Wicked, and the complete collection of Jane Austen novels

(we are about to start to practice together) ((btw))

so when she comes in, she has these viola excerpts....guess what...I need to know them by MONDAY all SEVEN of them, and they aren’t just ANY seven, its Hindemith, Debussy, Sibelius, Harbison, Stravinsky, and Wagner....basically for those of you who don’t know, they are hard like whoa!

we went to go see a concert tonight, it was the world premiere of Billy Joel's Piano Concerto. it was AMAZING....

so I arrive here today and get to my hall and there are 5 or so ABSOLUTELY PERFECT violinists practicing in their rooms....they are SO GOOD IT DRIVES ME CRAZY AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THEY NEVER STOP PRACTICING!!!!! they’ve obviously done this before...

ok....I need to practice...sorry, but I do...

JUNE 25

good morning 2nd day of EMF!!!!!

so, my roomy and I woke up at 8 this morning to the wonderful sounds of the Dresden Dolls blaring through my alarm clock/cd player/radio which was sitting across the room. I swear I thought we were going to get yelled at for disturbing the peace. I’m dead tired, and I almost fell off my loft bed.

my roommate doesn’t eat breakfast. she decided that if she had to stay awake during long rehearsals all day long, then she should probably eat something, so she brought a huge box of pop tarts and "milk'n cereal bar"s. we decided to share them because that way we can get up later and not have do trek over to the cafeteria building. which is a good thing. I like eating our box of breakfast. its good.

there’s something I wanted to talk about in my last update but I totally forgot what it was. its driving me crazy. and I know, the second I get off the computer its going to come back to me and I’m gonna be like "AAHHHH HHAAAA!!!!"

at 10:30 I get to go to a seminar on "The Art and Science of Practicing".....not really something I want to do THIS early, but I’m excited, I think it will help a lot.

ok, I have to go practice the crazy excerpts that were shoved under my door last night....yay....more things I have to practice for my audition at 11:30 TOMORROW MORNING

LATER THAT DAY

both my room mate and I are freaking out. our auditions are tomorrow. these excerpts are really hard. my roommate and I met with 8 other violists to go over the excerpts plus I called my teacher and she helped a little, well, I need to get some sleep and stop stressing. its only a placement audition. wish me luck!

TODAY

so, auditions were today. I’m not very happy with how I did. I know I could have done better, but its just the seating audition for the first week, I have 5 more weeks to leave a better impression. :-D

so after I got out, Emily and I went to lunch then came back to our room and watched....Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly and Matthew McFayden. it was.....wonderful. it left me in a daze for the rest of the afternoon. ahhh....romantic movies....

so, this evening at dinner, we ate with two other viola players and just hung out. I made a root beer float and it made me happy :-P

after dinner, Emily and I and one of the other violists went and saw the student piano concert. One word: WOW. the pieces were unbelievable. it was truly inspiring. the last girl to play, Irina Arbatskaya was sooooo unbelievable! she played Mephisto Waltz No. 1 by F. Liszt, a piece I’ve never heard before, and it was soo...indescribably good. I loved it. I think listening to piano is probably my favorite. but it has to be live. there’s something about recordings that I just don’t like as much. if I were to pick a second favorite, it would either be Jake Coleman who played an unbelievable Improvisations on Hungarian Songs Op. 20 by Bartok, or Ruby Chou who played Sonata in E-flat Major, Hob. 16/49 Allegro by Haydn.

so, now, Emily and I are just chillin in our room listening to The Phantom of the Opera, singing along, of course. I’m excited! They post orchestra and teacher assignments tomorrow at noon, I cant wait to see who and what I get! Tee hee hee!

well, there ya go! a summary of the past few days pieced together by yours truly

KEVIN ROGERS: Good to be back...

2006-06-26T22:56:00.000-05:00

I've had a rough past couple of weeks. I've lost things very important to me. The timing of certain things couldn't have been worse, but the timing of EMF couldn't have been better. Being here, surrounded by friends talented in their respective arts, interactive with these unique people have helped me a lot in letting go. It's the right place to be right now.

It seems like the people are friendlier this year than the past two years I've been here. Maybe the water's changed. Or maybe it's because I'm older and I'm being friendlier.

The anticipation to find out orchestra seating and teacher assignments is torment. I'm hoping for good things this year. Whatever happens happens. My audition I felt was sub-par, but the beauty of EMF is, even if you feel it is a sub-par audition, you yourself don't feel sub-par.

This morning I was was in an interview with the local news, it was very early. Afterwards I went back to my dorm so I could go back to sleep. Unfortunately the curfew thing really is a big deal. My card didn't work because it was so early. So on my way to the cafeteria who did I see?
Mr. Sandmeier! I was very excited, the conductors for the orchestra are part of the reason I come back. Jose'-Luis and Scott are a big part of why I'm here. Seeing Sandmeier wheeling his twins around was very comforting. The conductors are like these wonderful father figures of EMF.

It's good to be back EMF...it really is.

JENNIFER STEINFELD, viola

2006-06-26T08:12:00.000-05:00

NAME: Jennifer Steinfeld

AGE: 16

INSTRUMENT: Viola

HOMETOWN: Annapolis, MD

SCHOOL: The Key School

EMF before: First time

Why EMF? Well, actually, it was a slightly random choice. i knew that i was going to apply to the music school i went to after freshman year (The Performing Arts Institute at the Wyoming Seminary) and i knew that i was going to apply to Brevard because i didnt get in last year. i had heard about EMF and decided i might as well apply because unlike a lot of the other places ive looked at, i actually had to audition here in order to get in. so i was accepted at PAI, waitlisted at Brevard, and waitlisted here, at EMF. a few weeks later, i got a call from EMF and they said they had a spot for me, so, here i am!

First heard: I heard about EMF from a co-worker of my sisters. this woman loves listening to the EMF orchestras and when she met me and heard that i was a musician she mentioned EMF. when it came time to start applying, i came across EMF again and remembered how much the woman admired EMF, so i decided to give it a try.

Career: I would like to be a music teacher at the middle school level. :-)

Favorite Piece: hmmmm.....probably Marchenbilder by Schumann

SHELLEY ACKERMAN, flute

2006-06-23T10:49:00.000-05:00

Name: Shelley Ackerman

Age: 14 1/2

Instrument: Flute

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

School: Crossroads School of the Arts and Sciences

EMF before? First time

Why EMF? I chose EMF because I wanted an orchestral summer experience. I am the only wind player within a string orchestra at home, so don’t get to play in full symphony orchestras often. I felt that the opportunities at EMF offered me many things.

First Heard? I saw a poster about EMF in the music institute office at my school.

Career: I would love to become either a soloist or orchestral musician.

Favorite Piece: Concertino by Cecile Chaminade (this was a VERY hard question!)

KIPP JOHNSON, horn

2006-06-22T09:01:00.000-05:00

Name: Kipp Johnson

Age: 20

Instrument: French horn

Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon

School: USC Thornton School of Music, BM horn performance

EMF before? first time

Why EMF? It was recommended to me by my instructor as well as several of my fellow students who had extremely positive experiences at EMF in past years.

Career: Professional orchestral Performer. I'd also like to teach on the side, preferably at a college. I also want to be involved in composing and arranging music, particularly small chamber music and educational resources.

Favorite Piece: Mozart's Requiem (ironic because it doesn't have horns, but this is one piece I never grow tired of and contains as much meaning and expression as any other I've ever heard)

KEVIN ROGERS, violin

2006-06-20T12:25:00.000-05:00

NAME: Kevin Rogers

AGE: 19

INSTRUMENT: Violin

HOMETOWN: Conway, SC

SCHOOL: South Carolina School of Music in Columbia, SC

EMF before: Third summer at EMF

WHY EMF? I chose EMF because of a lot of reasons, some of which I can't really explain, just like I can't explain why I'm friends with someone, I can't explain some of the amazing things about EMF. The conductors are wonderful, they know how to rehearse proficiently as well as making the experience very enjoyable. Sometimes orchestra rehearsals can be very long and tedious but at EMF I don't really remember that being a part of rehearsal, some days I didn't want rehearsal to end. I also am going back because of some of the guest artist that are coming. Because I'm a violinist, I can't wait to see Joshua Bell, William Preucil, and Roberto Diaz. The Repertoire this year is going to be amazing. Last year we played amazing stuff, but this year is very exciting. Things like The Rite of Spring...I can't wait.

First heard: I heard about EMF from my youth symphony conductor while I was in High School. His name is Dr. Evans, and he Conducts the Long Bay Symphony. He told me about his experiences as well as his now wife's experiences there, and how much they learned and how much going there would help me. So I went my junior year in High School and I've been going ever since.

Career: Professional, I seek to be a violinist. I want my University teacher's job. I want to play in Professional symphonies near my University, and in the Summer I want to teach and play ata summer music festival. I want to be involved in chamber and solo music. I'm not trying to be Joshua Bell, I know I can't do that for several reasons, but that still doesn't mean I can't play solo repertoire with other orchestras. So I kind of want to do it all, teach at a university, and play in orchestra, chamber, and solo events.

Favorite Piece: It's hard for me to pick a favorite piece of music. Usually the piece I am studying or performing at the time grows on me and that becomes my favorite piece of music. I appreciate the work so much more. So right now, that piece would be the Saint- Saens violin concerto in b. minor.

EASTERN MUSIC FESTIVAL: June 24 - July 29

2006-06-13T13:01:00.000-05:00

Now in its 45th year, the Eastern Music Festival is recognized for its prodigious contributions to the field of American music and its commitment to nurturing talented American youth. The Festival brings high artistic quality to both public performances with America’s most sought-after artists and the academy for pre-professional students. The 2006 Season (June 24 through July 29) features a host of classical music luminaries, including violinist Joshua Bell, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, the Canadian Brass, pianist Andrè Watts, Pinchas Zukerman, principal conductor Gerard Schwarz, and many others. The Festival also includes a schedule of popular fringe events, featuring everything from alternative country and blues, to jazz and gospel.

Tickets are available through the festival’s box office at the Carolina Theatre (310 South Greene Street in downtown Greensboro). Call (336) 333 – 2605 weekdays from 12:00pm – 5:00pm or access http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/ at any time to order tickets.