Moving Mountains

August 24, 2012 at 3:31 AM

Over two weeks later and I admit, I'm still basking in the afterglow of the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra's performance. I've played in better symphonies, but I've never been more proud to see what returns could be yielded when choosing to invest in my little widespread community. Take a handful of dedicated musicians scattered throughout a wilderness about the size of West Virginia, assemble them for just two weeks to do battle with Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, and I dare you to accomplish as much as our ensemble managed to produce on the stage that night.

If I wasn't already before, I'm now a believer in magic, miracles, and dreams come true. I kid you not: the three violists managed a perfectly matched solo in the third movement of the New World Symphony. If you don't believe me, I have recorded proof at 24:08. If we could manage a feat like that, I can't help but think maybe anything's possible. What better way to begin the school year, than with a teacher that believes in miracles? My students are in for a real treat.

Now is the time to make things happen, and I'm striking while the iron is hot. Here's my ensemble hit list:

Brahms, horn trio
Mozart, Sinfonia Concertante
Bruch, 8 pieces for viola and clarinet
Villoldo-McLean,"el Chocolo" for 2 violins

You know who you are. Resistance is futile; I will prevail. So, you'd better be practicing. (18 hours so far this week, but who's counting?)

And some day, mark my words, the cellist of my dreams will fall from the sky with a copy of Brahms in his hands. Anything's possible. I believe, I believe...

From Tom Holzman
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:31 PM

Never stop believing. I know you can make it happen. I especially hope you make the Mozart happen. It is a wonderful piece.

From Christina C.
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 3:48 PM

Very happy for you, and hopefully your new viola skills will bring you some more opportunities.

From Emily Grossman
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 4:35 PM

That's what I'm hoping!

Tom, the Mozart is incredible. I can't touch the second movement without thinking of monkeys.

From Dottie Case
Posted on August 26, 2012 at 1:35 AM

You should join me at chamber music camp next year. There are at several cellists there who have the Brahms under their fingers. In fact, this year, it was pretty much an all-Brahms-all-of-the-time week. :)

From Emily Grossman
Posted on August 26, 2012 at 7:29 AM

Maybe I should begin soliciting them to visit Alaska instead! I mean, we have so many cool things to offer, like moose.

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