Thanks to Chloe for creating original lyrics for the new CMW Round, based on the beautiful old tune Gaudeamus Hodie (translation: Let us rejoice today). We'll be singing this at Workshops, Performance Parties, and other events this season.

Reprinted from CMW's 09-10 season program book

Welcome to our 13th season! Community MusicWorks continues to grow in our commitment to the intersections of performing, teaching, and community, and we are blessed to have you as a listener, participant, and supporter.

This season features some transitions for us. In the Providence String Quartet, we’re delighted that Minna Choi, a founding member from 2001-2004, is back playing with us this season. After five years with Community MusicWorks, our beloved Jessie Montgomery has moved to New York City to pursue her composing goals, although you can expect to see her back in Providence periodically wearing the different hats of violinist, composer, and Musical Workshop presenter. Also, we’re so happy that the Music Lab improvisation class that Jessie started continues to thrive with not one but four different members of our faculty leading weekly sections. It’s a testament to Jessie’s efforts that Music Lab has not only become oversubscribed, but also that improvisation is fast becoming a central thread in our curriculum.

In our concert series, expect to hear two string quartets by Mendelssohn (during this year of his 200th birthday), as well as quartets by Mozart, Beethoven, Bartok, and miniatures by Janacek. Also, you can expect quintets and sextets of Brahms, the fiery tango-inspired string nonet by Osvaldo Golijov, and a mix of sonatas, duos, and trios sprinkled throughout.

A new feature of this 13th season is a trimester system for our educational programs, and this means a new schedule of student performances, including Studio Recitals that are designed to give our students more opportunities to exhibit their solo talents. Also, thanks to the wonderfully thorough 18-month program evaluation led by Dr. Dennie Palmer Wolf, we have found that our students seem particularly motivated by opportunities to perform as soloists in church or other public settings outside of CMW. This year, all of our students will be challenged by their teachers to set goals of “connecting to the community” through their music. Please look out for and support these student performances as you learn about them!

Lastly, if you read this welcome during the late winter and early spring months, you may notice my absence! After more than twelve years working to start and grow Community MusicWorks, our Board of Directors has generously offered me a three-month sabbatical in which to explore some musical goals. As hard as it is to imagine being away from this beloved enterprise and community, I am looking forward to the time and I am immensely grateful to the dedicated and capable staff who will “steer the ship” while I’m away. 

Thank you for your involvement and interest in CMW, and enjoy the season!

-Sebastian Ruth, Executive-Artistic Director

CMW's 09-10 season program book is on its way to the printer this week. This is the seventh program book that Don Tarallo and I have prepared together. The process of soliciting ads, preparing text and photos, compiling the season event calendar, formatting the previous year's donor listing, and planning the layout gets smoother for us each year, and the last two books have been hammered out in record time over Swedish meatballs at Ikea, a new ritual that keeps as well-fed during marathon sessions! Here's the cover for the 13th season edition:

If you live sufficiently far from Providence so as not to be able to attend a CMW event this season, I'd be happy to send you a copy of the program book. Just drop me a line.

-Heath Marlow, CMW staff

Dear CMW & friends,

Happy October to all of you! I have truly missed being in Providence, amidst all of the excitement that comes with planning, first lessons, first concerts, the family picnic and Phase II retreat. I wanted to let you know that I’ve been thinking about you and give an update on my new adventures in sunny Florida!

Where did I go, and why?

Years ago, I started dreaming of a career where I could integrate being a musician, serving a community, and promoting the health and well-being of others. When I found myself in a physical therapy clinic after straining some very important “violin muscles,” I discovered that the career of PT really fit my dream, and that I wanted to pursue it! So… after a whirlwind of applications and science classes (and thanks to the unwavering support of all of you), I have been transplanted to Gainesville, FL to start a doctoral program in physical therapy at the University of Florida. 

What do physical therapists do?

Physical therapists develop long-term relationships with all sorts of patients to help them improve their function and ability to move without pain. PTs work with many systems of the body—the muscles, bones, nerves, and senses—to help patients prevent and recover from injuries and surgeries. PTs also work towards educating communities on health promotion and wellness. One day, I would like to work with many kinds of patients (including musicians)!

What have I been doing?

So far, most of my time has been spent learning anatomy. It’s exciting that I’ve gotten to see almost all of the major muscles, bones and nerves involved in violin playing (in the hand, arm, shoulders, back, and chest)! My cat, Espy, is here to make sure I stay on track…

I’ve also gotten to climb the steps and run at the Gators’ football stadium early in the morning…

And dodge the alligators outside the Health Science building…

…just kidding! This little guy is pretty docile and won’t hurt anyone. 

I wish you all the best and hope to see you soon! 

-Arlyn Valencia (Fellow 07-09)

More photos by Jori in CMW's Flickr account.

More photos by Jori in CMW's Flickr account.

Please join us for our first Fellowship Program seminar of the 13th season!

Dr. Dennie
Palmer Wolf, who designed and led a participatory evaluation about CMW's educational
programs over the past 18 months, will be sharing her methodologies and
findings.

RSVP to Minna (mchoi [at] communitymusicworks.org) if you would like to come
participate in the conversation. Bring your own lunch; light snacks and
refreshments will be provided.

Friday, October 2, 2009

12:00-3:00pm

Community MusicWorks office (3rd Floor space)

Click here for animated version.

Photos by Jori. More in CMW's Flickr account.