6/8/2023 0 Comments Frederick the mouse bookA great example this season was my experience with the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story of Leonard Bernstein. There will be new technical or rhythmic problems we haven't encountered before. Our motivation to contribute our best each and every time, as a small part of a larger whole, is guided purely by our own musical integrity. We search through knowledge gathered from years upon years of practice and lessons with teachers better than ourselves to find which tools enable us to tackle the technical and musical challenges of each piece of repertoire. The hours each of us spends alone, testing a phrase over and over and over again, to be sure the rhythm, shape, and sound of it is perfect and beautiful, are lonely and many. I believe playing in an orchestra is one of the most civilized activities we can do on this planet of ours. Thinking of Frederick in the temporary quiet of now makes me reflect on what we really do together as a thriving orchestra in Erie, PA. In the end, Frederick keeps the others alive through his art. While the others gather food, Frederick gathers colors and words and imagination. Once the long, dark winter days leave the family with little food or hope left, Frederick begins to recite his poetry. Winter is coming, and they work frantically to store enough food to survive-except for Frederick, who is, well, lazy. Frederick, the mouse (by Leo Lionni) lives with his family in a granary. A book I read to my kids when they were little keeps popping into my mind.
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