Moments & Memories (2 of 8): Phase I OrchestraAs graduates this month of CMW's Fellowship Program, Rachel and Arlyn were asked to provide several memorable moments or anecdotes that would shed light on their favorite experiences over the past two years spent at Community MusicWorks. Their responses are posted as a series on this blog throughout the month of June. —- Last May, I had a vision of our younger Phase I students engaging in an early orchestra experience that would give them a chance to socialize with one another and participate in their very own chamber music experience. With the help of all of my colleagues at CMW and a combined team-teaching effort with fellow Fellow Adrienne, we transformed this vision—now known as Phase I Orchestra—into a reality.
This was the first time in my seven years of teaching violin that I had such an involved role in designing a multi-instrument class from scratch. Seizing this opportunity, Adrienne and I explored the following with our students in the pilot year of Phase I Orchestra:
Even more important than the rudimentary musical goals of this class, we placed an emphasis on building confidence, having fun together and working as a team. Adrienne and I constantly asked the Phase I Orchestra to recognize that “mistakes are your friends,” to “enjoy our yummy sound,” and to look to your stand partner or listen to your section when you need help or get lost in the music. Knowing and applying these principles brought extra energy and love to our first performances of an arrangement of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Adrienne’s own composition, Pizzicato Pizza. I learned so much from my students and working with Adrienne. I will look back on this experience as one of the most memorable, enjoyable, and fulfilling memories from my time at Community MusicWorks. -Arlyn Valencia, Fellow (07-09) |
