Thursday--Street Meat, Retail, and Art Song along with some Wise Words

Thursday was another day that exceeded my expectations.  We met with Ken Benson, a manager with CAMI for 25 years, from 10-12 at Shetler Studios.  It is an interesting story how this meeting came about.  One of the projects that the students have to do for this trip was to first identify, then write out, and then use their "network" to set up a meeting/interview/lesson/coaching etc. while in NYC.  Since everyone has to travel in pairs, that would mean that each student would get to be a part of at least two of these sessions.  Leisa had heard Ken Benson speak during a summer program she did and she contacted him to set up an interview.  She then asked me if I would like her to see if he'd meet with the whole group.  I said "yes please" and she did.  He was happy to do it, and we set it all up over email.  He has also been following our blog- hi Ken!

So, through Leisa, we were able to book Ken Benson.  First of all Shetler studios was very convenient, in nice shape, and very reasonable in cost.  Secondly, Ken offered us valuable information that we couldn't have gotten anywhere else.  He addressed managers, audition packages, figuring out who you are and what you are good at--what is special about YOU--young artist programs and he opened the students' eyes about the possibility of a career in management and/or music business.

He answered the students' questions readily, and was very friendly and open.  We liked him so much we asked if he'd recommend a pizza place in the area and then invited him to go with us.  He said "why not"?  and he led us there (I'll add the name later, as I can't remember).  He answered more questions, and we all felt grateful to spend that time with him.  He told us a about a free recital at the New York Performing Arts Library on Friday, and we decided to go!















I rented a small studio space at Shetler to practice for an hour.  It had a nice Yamaha upright in it and was in tune.  I enjoyed getting to work on some upcoming repertoire--nothing inspires you to practice more than hearing great music--all for $12.50!  One of the few things so far that has been a financial bargain in NYC :)

Jordyn and Abby came back to Shetler after I was finished and we explored the area--we did some shopping, drank some tea in a tea shop (lovely), and went to some of the shops at Columbus Circle.  The flowers are in bloom all over NYC and the walk was just beautiful.  Sunshine, daffodils, and blooming fruit trees.  After we got the shopping out of our system (come on, you have to do it at least once while in NYC!!!) we took the subway down to the World Trade Center site.  We didn't have tickets to the Memorial but they were giving them away that day (Abby seems to be a lucky charm) and we viewed the memorial.  It is still too overwhelming to fathom the loss of life on 9/11 and the names on the fountains are simply chilling.  However, the survivor tree, the rushing water, and the calm in the middle of all the bustle of the city make it a perfect spot for reflection.  I though about where I was that day, and I went and found the name of Craig Amundson, with whom I went to high school.  He was the only person I personally knew that was a victim that day.  He worked in the Pentagon and we went to high school together.  Even though I didn't know him well and hadn't spoken to him since I graduated from high school, seeing his name brought home in a way that nothing else could that every single name represented a person who had a family, friends, a story, a hometown.

 We met up with Marie, Evan, and Meagan there and we all made our way up to Lincoln Center together.  It is amazing how easy it is for a group our size (14) to stay in touch via text message.  I can only imagine what a nightmare it would have been pre-cell phone, but we are able to have a great deal of independence because of technology.  Because people are often running late (as we figure out the subway system, etc) we can keep track of each other via text.  So, we all finally got to Lincoln Center.  The recital was in Alice Tully Hall, and it was two Juilliard students who were selected by the faculty there as outstanding recitalists.  The recital was free, though we got tickets in advance.  Many of Juilliard's student recitals and performances are free--another great deal in an expensive city!  Kyle Bielfield, tenor, and Takaoni Onishi, baritone sang beautiful programs and their accompanists were equally accomplished.  Alice Tully is a stunning hall. Great acoustics, comfortable seating with lots of legroom, and every seat in the house has a great view.  What a thrill for the young singers to get to sing there in the newly remodeled space.  Afterwards, we met Evan's friend Laura who attends Juilliard, one of the Met Finalists (Will Liverman), and Jordyn, Abby and I spoke with Ned Rorem.  I told him that we loved his songs (3 of which were on the program) and said "thank you. Please sing music in your own language by American composers."  I told him that we have a commitment to that, and he said good.  Steven Blier was also in the house, and we met up again with Ken Benson!  Apparently, there was also a Dmitri Hvorostovsky sighting earlier in the day!  A nice surprise was to see Reed Woodhouse there--he is a coach at Juilliard and helped the singers prepare for the recital.  I worked with him at Harrower Opera in Atlanta--it is indeed a small world!

http://www.juilliard.edu/newsroom/releases/current/2012-March-22_VocalHonors.php

Everyone made their way back to the hotel as they wished, as the recital finished relatively early.  Jordyn, Abby, and I ate "street meat" which is food purchased from street vendors.  We had some Indian rice dish and Abby had a hot dog.  We sat at an outdoor seating area and enjoyed the night air and some people watching.  I love street meat!  So much that I said the term at least 100 times--I'm surprised the ladies are still speaking to me!

STREET MEAT!!!

Had a little "hang out" time with Abby and Jordyn- we ate milk and cupcakes, blogged, and painted our toenails.  I didn't actually know what "hanging out" entailed and now I do.  Fascinating.

One more day--this trip has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.

What I learned today is that people will often respond when asked.  When I invited Ken Benson to lunch he had time, so he said yes!  I know that the answer won't always be in the affirmative, but there are lots of opportunities to meet with people and get to know them a bit.  Those types of interactions make special memories.
Mitra