I had an absolutely fantastic time at the John Mack Oboe
Camp. It was my fifth year attending, but I think it might have been my
favorite. The camp seems to get better and better, and I left feeling
unbelievably refreshed and inspired.
One of this year’s teachers, Linda Strommen, recommended
putting together a summary of what we learned. Here is my list of the ten main
ideas that I took away from the first half of the week, during which Ms.
Strommen taught:
- We as musicians can create pain, but we can also take it away.
- Ignorance is not stupidity. It is an opportunity to learn.
- Articulation is only as good as the tone on which it is produced.
- Become your own best teacher.
- Sing! Even if you don’t have a great voice, it will help you to define your concept.
- Evaluate your music. What was Barret trying to teach in each etude? Why is each orchestral excerpt an excerpt?
- Going slow is not remedial. It’s professional.
- Predestination: You must play each note like it must go to the next note.
- Make connections between etudes, solo repertoire, and excerpts. For example, the circular motion of Barret Articulation Study #10 is similar to that of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin.
- Dream big, work hard and smart, and enjoy your colleagues.
I will try to post about the second half of the week in a day or two.
I’ve been at Interlochen for three days now, and although it has already been incredibly busy, I couldn’t
be happier to be back. Stay tuned for updates! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment