arts education is more than just teaching (and learning)

This past weekend five events occurred in our school that were not about teaching but everything about arts education.
We had a fundraising recital at a lovely home where we showcased our fantastic faculty. We were able to share the importance of what we are about through an intimate professional performance. Meanwhile, in another part of town, Suzuki parents were meeting to talk about shared challenges and highs and lows of Suzuki parenting. The next day, I observed our talented high school students rehearsing for an upcoming performance with the Cincinnati Symphony and the excitement and enthusiasm was contagious. Segue to one of our ongoing student recitals where very young piano students were poised and professional, some in their first performances. Finally, finishing the day, I went to a “soiree” hosted by our voice department head where she invited her students, beginners and advanced, to enjoy their music in a relaxed and social environment.
I look back at the last 48 hours and realize that these moments of coming together for different, yet similar opportunities make arts education so special. It is all about creating community and sharing, through the gift of the arts!
Amy

playing for a purpose

Excuse the bad punctuation. I finally had my long awaited hand surgery yesterday which should allow me to go back to my oboe playing – in the future. I’m thinking positive thoughts on my outcome.

On Sunday, we had 35 students participate in our annual fund raising concert for our music scholarship in honor of one of our young students who tragically passed away several years ago. The students well represented our program and the characteristics of the young man named for the scholarship. The students were a mix of all ages from 4 to senior adults, special needs students, beginners, and the very talented. Their common denominator? They love music and they wanted to be part of this community experience. It was incredibly moving for all of us – especially for me. It reinforces the fact that I am the luckiest person to have such an opportunity to shape and assist people to find comfort and satisfaction in the arts.

The arts are an invaluable to our lifes. I’m reminded of that every day.

That’s what music is all about

On Saturday night I was treated to a double decker experience in music: both listener and performer.

There are basically two ways to experience the arts: as a listener or as a performer. Some people become listeners, some become performers and hopefully many are both. Music can be performed by anyone – recreational music making bears that out (but that’s fodder for another blog.)

On Saturday night the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performed a concert of Latin American music conducted by the electric charismatic conductor, Kristaan Jarvi (younger brother of CSO’s own conductor Paavo). Not only did he compel you to listen to the music by his incredible control of the orchestra, he impelled the audience to make music at the end. I have never seen this at a classical music concert. For an encore, he ran into the percussion section, began beating on the big bass drum and encouraged the audience to clap the rhythm. So here we were, probably 2,000 of us clapping in rhythm to an expanded jazzy complex percussion section and the orchestra. Everyone was actively participating. WOW, was all I could think of. This is what the arts are all about. To read more about the concert go to the attached links. Wow!!