Masterclasses, Ensemble Coaching, Tune-Ups
Over the course of four Sunday evening interactive video sessions, Adam Stern will teach the rudiments of conducting and share his own experiences as a conductor, imparting information from the purely technical to the highly personal and anecdotal, which will provide a broad understanding of one of music’s most elusive and misunderstood facets. Particular attention will be paid to the dangers and delights of interpretation – how to come as close to a composer’s wishes as possible without abusing the power of the podium. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions at the conclusion of each session, whether about composers and conductors, the physical actions that everyone sees, or the very private communing with scores that is at the heart of the conductor’s art. Be warned: Stern’s no-holds-barred approach to his subject may just make you think twice about certain conductors from here on in!
Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival presents these four Zoom interactive video workshops on a large screen at Orcas Island Public Library at 7:00 pm on four Sundays, January 19th and 26th and February 2nd and 9th. All who are interested in gaining insights into the art of conducting are welcome to attend, from conductors of instrumental and choral groups, to musicians who want to learn more about this aspect of performing, to music lovers and appreciators. People who would like to participate but won’t be on Orcas for the workshops can join remotely via the internet.
Through a generous grant from the Gould Family Foundation, these live video sessions are free. To preregister for any or all of the four Conducting Workshop sessions, or to learn how to participate remotely, contact Tracy at Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival at tracy@oicmf.org or by phone at 360-376-6636.
Each year, Musicians-in-Residence and summer Festival musicians are delighted to integrate teaching sessions with Island musicians of all ages into their schedules of Festival-related events. The opportunity to work directly with OICMF guest artists is a great way for musicians to hone their skills and learn by listening to professional musicians at work. Musicians-in-Residence are the perfect instructors for masterclasses and ensemble coaching sessions with community musicians, ensembles, and music students. Tune-Up sessions with summer Festival musicians are offered to community members and students as a way to keep skills honed during the busy summer season, when school is not in session and work gets in the way of rehearsing. Musicians-in-Residence are the perfect “master” instructors for focused technique and Tune-Up Sessions with community musicians, ensembles and music students. OICMF Guest artists often comment that they thoroughly enjoy working with so many highly motivated and creative Orcas Island musicians.