It really was! I knew the day would be special, but it surpassed my wildest dreams. And sometimes, at least for me, it's the little unexpected things that pack the biggest punch. It's good to hear from you, Susan!
In sometimes sleepy Indiana we have a summer competition for 16 high school age students from around the country. It is sponsored by The Great American Songbook Foundation, also based here, its director being Michael Feinstein.
Over five days the competitors, all interested in careers in musical theater, are tutored by professionals in song (all from and The GAS) dance by theater professionals. They perform in subgroups of competitors and solos. On the final night a "winner" is announced, chosen the the band of professionals who are tutoring that year.
This competition is held in a beautiful theater, The Palladium, in Carmel (a northern suburb of Indianapolis.) One can get tickets for the rehearsals as well as for the final night.
Now, admittedly, this is not as high brow as the wonderful YoYo Ma, but it acknowledges the form of mysical theater originated in the USA. I've loved watching these student perform.
My new-this-week digs has just one room completely set up and decorated so far: the guest room. Y'all come next summer for the Songbook competition, Hal. I promise that the other four rooms will be visitor-ready by then! (OK, let's be honest, being a bit compulsive, I'll bet it will be ready in a couple of weeks!
Dear Pat, I'm so happy to hear about the progress on your new digs - and thank you for the invitation to visit next summer!! I'm still in my big house in western Mass and would be happy to welcome you here as well!! Music is always a great connector. I hope things continue to go well as you settle in to your new life. Knowing you, I suspect you'll be making lots of new friends. Sending my best!
You are so fortunate to be within driving distance of Tanglewood. Thanks for sharing your special experience and discovery. I love that Yo Yo Ma paid tribute to Mr. Rogers and educators.
I totally agree -- fortunate indeed. When the cellists started playing the theme (without any spoken introduction), there were a lot of quizzical looks followed by smiles and nods of recognition -- a very sweet moment. I'm going back tomorrow to hear The Sixteen -- pretty much heaven! I hope all's well with you.
Oops, it posted prematurely. What I started to say is that some of my most powerful healing experiences have been through music. It can sometimes evade all the defensive blocks we didn’t even know we had. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Judy -- Indeed music is powerful. I feel fortunate to be close to very good music. When I first moved here from the Twin Cities, I felt kind of lost musically. But gradually, I'm learning where the good music is. Some of it is 2 hours east in Boston or 2 hours west at Tanglewood, but very worth the drive. And increasingly, I'm discovering great local groups full of passionate music makers. Hidden gems. I hope all is well with you.
Absolutely!! Yo-Yo is truly a mensch. It was quite amazing that he could take the mic and have that intimate conversation with a crowd of thousands! He is especially beloved out here, because he has strong ties with the BSO, whose summer home is Tanglewood. He tends to be out here quite a bit in the summer.
It really was, Deb. Thanks for sharing that about Mom -- I did not know that. Such an interesting glimpse into her. I'll be in touch with you shortly so we can make some plans.
Sounds magical!
It really was! I knew the day would be special, but it surpassed my wildest dreams. And sometimes, at least for me, it's the little unexpected things that pack the biggest punch. It's good to hear from you, Susan!
In sometimes sleepy Indiana we have a summer competition for 16 high school age students from around the country. It is sponsored by The Great American Songbook Foundation, also based here, its director being Michael Feinstein.
Over five days the competitors, all interested in careers in musical theater, are tutored by professionals in song (all from and The GAS) dance by theater professionals. They perform in subgroups of competitors and solos. On the final night a "winner" is announced, chosen the the band of professionals who are tutoring that year.
This competition is held in a beautiful theater, The Palladium, in Carmel (a northern suburb of Indianapolis.) One can get tickets for the rehearsals as well as for the final night.
Now, admittedly, this is not as high brow as the wonderful YoYo Ma, but it acknowledges the form of mysical theater originated in the USA. I've loved watching these student perform.
My new-this-week digs has just one room completely set up and decorated so far: the guest room. Y'all come next summer for the Songbook competition, Hal. I promise that the other four rooms will be visitor-ready by then! (OK, let's be honest, being a bit compulsive, I'll bet it will be ready in a couple of weeks!
Dear Pat, I'm so happy to hear about the progress on your new digs - and thank you for the invitation to visit next summer!! I'm still in my big house in western Mass and would be happy to welcome you here as well!! Music is always a great connector. I hope things continue to go well as you settle in to your new life. Knowing you, I suspect you'll be making lots of new friends. Sending my best!
You are so fortunate to be within driving distance of Tanglewood. Thanks for sharing your special experience and discovery. I love that Yo Yo Ma paid tribute to Mr. Rogers and educators.
I totally agree -- fortunate indeed. When the cellists started playing the theme (without any spoken introduction), there were a lot of quizzical looks followed by smiles and nods of recognition -- a very sweet moment. I'm going back tomorrow to hear The Sixteen -- pretty much heaven! I hope all's well with you.
Thank you for sharing this magical night Hal. I enjoyed every minute described so thoughtfully.
Anne
Thanks Anne -- I'm glad I was able to convey the magic of the visit there! I appreciate your comments.
Oops, it posted prematurely. What I started to say is that some of my most powerful healing experiences have been through music. It can sometimes evade all the defensive blocks we didn’t even know we had. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Judy -- Indeed music is powerful. I feel fortunate to be close to very good music. When I first moved here from the Twin Cities, I felt kind of lost musically. But gradually, I'm learning where the good music is. Some of it is 2 hours east in Boston or 2 hours west at Tanglewood, but very worth the drive. And increasingly, I'm discovering great local groups full of passionate music makers. Hidden gems. I hope all is well with you.
I’m so enjoying your “reports from the (musical) field.“ Indeed
Beautiful music, and humans, indeed!
Absolutely!! Yo-Yo is truly a mensch. It was quite amazing that he could take the mic and have that intimate conversation with a crowd of thousands! He is especially beloved out here, because he has strong ties with the BSO, whose summer home is Tanglewood. He tends to be out here quite a bit in the summer.
Sounds like an amazing day! Mom loved Mr. Rogers as he liked her just the way she was!! What a diverse wonderful program.
It really was, Deb. Thanks for sharing that about Mom -- I did not know that. Such an interesting glimpse into her. I'll be in touch with you shortly so we can make some plans.