Da Da Daaa Da Da

These past few days have been really great. I've already learned so much about New York, and how differently this experience is already from the last time I was here.
There are many reasons for this being so. I think for one thing, this trip to new york is different in feelings when I first got here. The "rose colored glasses" or as someone would call them are not as prominent this time as they were last time. There aren't those giddy feelings where everything feels perfect, instead I feel calm, as though this city is a familiar acquaintance.
However, that being said, I'm still so very excited to be here, and it feels really great to be back in the Big Apple.
Tonight, I went with a friend to  "Newsies" the musical. The dancing was phenomenal, the singing was so stellar and the chorus blended. Even better, the lead must have gotten sick during the first half, and before intermission,during what had to be the vocal highlight of the lead, another person walked out onstage instead; the understudy. I immediately knew that this was not the same person, and it was cool to hear his voice, so prepared and he knew exactly what he was doing. This was a great thing to see, because it is just an everyday reality of Broadway. This understudy is probably reliable, on time with learning music, and most importantly, passionate about what he does. He doesn't go home at night with a bitter attitude because he didn't score the lead.
This is the kind of passion that I want to harness in my own performance and daily life. I can't wait to see more of this! Goodnight.

Laura

Exciting First Two Days

It has only been two days so far and I have already learned and experienced so much! Yesterday was quite fun, besides the long flight and frantic commute to the hotel. Last night was such an amazing experience hearing the New York Philharmonic. It's been a while since I've heard a full professional orchestra play, and my, do I miss it. It was very inspiring. We heard two newer pieces, one composed in 2000 and a piano concerto premiered last year. I really enjoyed the first piece, entitled "Rapture" by Christopher Rouse, particularly in the colorful orchestration, which was brought out spectacularly by the Philharmonic, under the direction of Alan Gilbert. The piano concerto I had a tough time grasping the pacing of the pieces. There were nice moments but I am not sure I understand the structure of the piece, I would need to listen a few more times (it was the second concerto by Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg). But the real highlight of the evening was Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony. I was so entranced by the orchestra's version of this piece. It was particularly inspiring because I have never heard this piece in its entirety (or at least not enough to know it well), and yet I still was captivated and moved by the performance and felt like I understood the piece and what it was saying, as if I had known if for years. I understood the structure, the pacing, the phrasing of the melodic material; all was communicated clearly and effectively. I am absolutely amazed, and Alan Gilbert moves up on my list of favorite conductors. As a conductor that is stepping into the shoes of Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, Lorin Maazel, and Bruno Walter, he does not fall short. My eyes were fixed on him the whole performance, and it was amazing what he could do just by waving his arms. His preps were particularly amazing - I could tell what it was going to sound like before it sounded, just by watching his back even. Easily one of the best concerts and most inspiring that I have ever been to. It further confirmed that I want to be a conductor as well as a composer. I want to be able to communicate music to other people just like I experienced to tonight through Maestro Gilbert.

Today was also filled with learning. I had a talk with singer Caroline Worra, observed a Paul Taylor Dance Company rehearsal, observed Jonathan's lesson with oboist Elaine Duvas, and saw the off-Broadway show "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812." These were all great activities that I learned so much about musicality, living as an artist, having a career in music, and seeing music of all kinds in the city. "Natasha" was a great interactive theatre piece that had great elements of opera embedded within, and so it was great to hear some new works (the piece was premiered in 2011) in the contemporary theatre world and how they sound.

I am finding that I am pretty used to the city already: I am comfortable getting around, I don't feel out of place, and I get annoyed at large groups of people standing around and not moving, especially when I was around Times Square this evening. This is interesting, as I have only been here for two days, so I can't wait to see how I feel by the end of the week.

That's all for tonight. Super excited for tomorrow's activities!

-Jordan

Back in NYC

I'm still adjusting to the fast pace of NYC. It's hard not to get overwhelmed with all of the constant stimulus from the crowds of people, busy streets, and loud noises. One thing I am surprised by though is how much more calm I am getting around the city. The trip from the airport was so much easier than last time. Once I got to to the hotel I realized I forgot my make-up so I had to go to Walgreens and buy some new stuff, which reminded my of another thing-everything is so much more expensive in NYC. Mitra and Dr. Rieck then surprised us with tickets to the New York Philharmonic! It was a jaw dropping performance including contemporary music, which I loved and Tchaikovsky's Symphony no. 4, which was absolutely amazing. Today we started off the day with an interview with Caroline Worra. Caroline really put things into perspective for me and I really related to her. I learned that you need to find your strengths and embrace your individuality. I also learned that you don't need to be in a hurry. After that we went to a Paul Taylor dance company rehearsal. It was truly inspiring to see the talent and work ethic of the dancers. After that I went with a couple people to the New York Public Library. There was some beautiful artwork and research rooms inside. After that we went to times square and walked around a bit before heading to the Off-Broadway show “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812”. It was an interactive show, so the audience sits at a table and can have food and drinks while the performers use the whole area to perform the musical. It was nothing like I've ever seen before and it was a really great experience! We even got to talk to one of the performers after!

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Kelly

First Day and a half!!
Well, first off the first hour and a half we were in the city making our way to the Hotel was the most stressed I've been since finals week. The fast pace of the city and the uncertainty made me really nervous. I was thinking to myself that if all week was like this it would be an insane week. Once we got to the Hotel though we had a little free time. My roommates and I attempted to organize our things and then a few of us just decided to go roam around. We were all starving from the trip so we stopped in a little pizza shop that was so good, and got coffee a little later. I was way more at ease once we were just free and not dragging our luggage around the city.
We were then surprised with tickets to see the New York Philharmonic. When we got to the Lincoln Center it was just so beautiful. Its one of those things that you see pictures of all the time but to see it for yourself is just simply amazing. The concert itself was stunning also.
The next morning (today) we had the opportunity to talk with Caroline Worra. Let me tell you, this is an awesome lady. She works incredibly hard and is just so nice! It was amazing to hear her story and about her career. We had lunch at an indian restaurant which was a first for me and I liked it! I keep telling myself that this week is all about firsts and getting out of my comfort zone.
We then headed to Paul Taylor Dance Company and got to sit in on a rehearsal. We walked in the room and saw Paul Taylor sitting there and I was just so excited! I loved watching the dancers and seeing how much passion they had, even if it was just a rehearsal and they've done the dance a million times, they still gave it their all which was inspiring.
This week is just packed with exciting adventures and challenges and I am ecstatic for each one of them!
Now I'm off to visit Times Square and later see the show "Natasha Pierre and the Comet of 1812"

-Leah

What's happening?!

Well, the first day of the trip is coming to a close and a lot has happened with little time to soak it all up.  Part of my personal goal for this immersion has been to 'go with the flow', or so to speak.  In my everyday life, when stressful or difficult situations arise I almost always try to take charge and control the situation, which can end happily or horribly.  So to counterbalance my natural tendencies I wanted to challenge my type A characteristics and see if they could sit on the back burner while the situation fizzled out or someone else takes charge of the situation.  Like the outcome of taking control, after our New York excursions I've discovered that not taking control can be just as happy or horrible in the end.
It all began on the landing to LaGuardia Airport; the students were left to uncover the route to the hotel on their own, the most difficult part of our journey thus far.  Never having taken public transportation, allowing my peers to lead the way in such a stressful situation was very difficult for me.  By the second subway transfer however, I could not keep my mouth shut; I could have done one of two things, stepped back and listen to some incorrect and assuming bickering about directions, or add my two cents either being wrong and decisive and just as incorrect, or luckily right.  Fortunately, I spoke up and we didn't end up going in the opposite direction of our destination.
I've discovered that in order to succeed, we must rely on others, whether we are own intuitions are right or wrong; sometimes, two brains really are better than one, especially when personalities contrast(shout out to Leah!).
Additionally, listening to the New York Philharmonic was an invigorating and inspirational way to begin the trip.  Also, the food.
Luke Otto

A New Pace

Pace is important in life, and setting a good one can be essential to success. This is what I learned today. In New York, time seems to move differently. For example, today I navigated the subway system for the first time. When doing this, time moves really fast and its exciting! The flow of motion, the determination to reach a destination that can be seen in strangers eyes as they pass you. A pace with a certain calculated speed seems to be the best way to make your way through the city streets. Yet time seemed to freeze then I saw Lincoln center for the first time. In going to see the New York Philharmonic, hearing Tchaikovsky's fifth symphony, time spun in a beautiful largo. Its funny how life finds a way to brings itself full circle. Tchaikovsky's fifth was one of the first symphonic works I was exposed to when I was younger, and it is one of the pieces that had inspired me to become a musician. Hearing it today, in the most extravagant circumstances was something I an so grateful for. New York is a big place, but I've got enough heart to handle it.

Chris              

Hello again NEW YORK CITY

I cannot believe that a year has passed already since I went on this Immersion trip last time. I am very fortunate to be able to travel again on this immersion experience.

Last year I was extremely excited to arrive in NYC, yet kind of nervous to venture off into the "Big Apple". I was nervous because it was the first trip on my own, and my first time flying! The trip was a great learning experience and put me at ease and ready for the second time around!

The first time on this trip I went to New York City with kind of specific goals however today my goals have twisted and turned... I went from wanting to live in NYC, to now realizing that I love it but I want to find out ways to keep in my life, but not make it "my life". Having the initial experience gives me insight and direction to where I need to look next. I am planning to meet with a concert pianist and I am hungry with questions.

My expectations:
I want to enjoy the city even more. Last year everything was so new, I let the smallest things get to me... For example, the constant sound of sirens roaming the city. I also expect to carry myself more confidently in the city.

I am looking forward to:

• The vast assortment of entertainment around me
• Trying new food
• Making music with my peers
• Learning even more about our group
• ALL OF OUR EVENTS
• The spontaneity of the city, and adapting to changes

Here are my revised and focused questions this year:

Professional:

• How can I tactfully and intelligently fuse classical music with a pop flavor and be successful at performing/ maybe printing it? What legal issues could arise?
• What does it take to be endorsed by a company? How could I become a Steinway artist?
• How do you make it to big venues such as Carnegie Hall?

 

Personal:

•  Should I be considering grad school or should I dive right into pouring all of my energy to get noticed and ready to perform?
• If I were to become very well known, how do I stay sane and not let fame eat me up or change me?
• What are things I can do now to become finance/business savvy and able to promote myself out of college? (Perhaps learn as much as I can about the music business and have all my plans and backup plans ready to go by the time I graduate.)

These were my old ones:

-Professional Objectives:

·         How can I market myself/ self-promote my career to a giant city like NYC?

·         How can I incorporate NYC into my career without living there? If I want to be associated with NYC will I need an agent/ employees based in NYC?

 

-Personal Objectives:

·         If I had my career associated with NYC would I exhaust my energy from the city?

·         What is a reasonable timeline for my career/marriage/family plan?

 

NEW YORK CITY: Here I come!

 

Sincerely,

Kayla shoemaker