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School of Music students reflect on the Orpheus residency: Part II
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's distinctive conductor-less leadership style embodies the ethos and attributes that the School of Music considers essential for students entering the dynamic professional world of music."The skills one learns in performing chamber music -- listening closely, knowing when to lead, and when to follow, approaching performance with a collaborative spirit -- are the abilities that result in the best large ensemble performances, as well as in the best outcomes with all life's challenges," said SOM Director Robert Gibson.
Jonathan Cain (M.M. Cello Performance '13) describes how the conductor-less rehearsal and performance process can energize the collaborative experience for the orchestral musician:
Our residency with Orpheus has brought a brand new way of thinking about section awareness, rehearsal techniques, and orchestral leadership. What is incredible about working with these musicians is that they do not teach the above separately, but as a whole through new ways of thinking about music making. For example, I have learned to think of the sound I wish to achieve instead of pitch, as the pitch will change depending on how we sit. With this in mind, the section blend and way that I interact with and lead my colleagues has to do with our collective sound and energy, and when we think of this first, the intonation comes naturally. Leading a large section does not mean having larger cues or a larger look towards the concertmaster or conductor; it is not with words, but with character, gesture, and the awareness of solo parts that may seem miles away from me. I have learned that everyone has an idea of the character for a certain passage and that by actively listening, we can jump on board with them when we are intrigued by their interpretation. Good leadership is the ability to interact with others and the liberty to follow. There are just about a million other things I have taken away from this experience, but the largest one is a new and fresh excitement for listening, participating, and experiencing music with others.
Join the School of Music for the culmination of the first part of the Orpheus residency: a side-by-side concert with members of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the UMD Symphony Orchestra on December 4, 5PM at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
