By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink , violin , voice
Having the gift of music in our lives is truly worthy of thanks. Here are three stories that highlight our gratitude. It’s from the “This American Life” series produced by Chicago Public Radio.
Listen to the “Music Lessons” Podcast
It’s also available as a free download in ITunes.
Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!
By billalpert | Studio News , violin
Violin lessons will be scheduled as normal over the next two months except as noted:
Thanksgiving Week: No lessons
December 21-27: No lessons
I’ll be available to schedule make-up lessons during these periods.
Best Wishes for a joyful Holiday Season to All!
By billalpert | Studio News , violin , voice
An impressive turnout was complimented by impressive performances on the part of almost 40 participants in this year’s Winter Recital. Congratulations to singers and violinists alike, and thanks to the dedicated families of our accomplished performers. Its rewarding to see the growth of each of our students.
By billalpert | Events , Studio News , violin , voice
Just a quick reminder that our Winter Studio Recital will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15 at the studio Recital Hall on Arrow Route. All students are expected to participate. Rehearsal will be held on Friday, November 14, between 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Your exact rehearsal slot will be assigned during your lesson.
By billalpert | Studio News , voice
From a field of 62 young Southern California vocalists, only 16 were selected to participate in four different categories during the November 2 final round of the Intimate Opera Vocal Competition. The Alpert studio was represented by three singers in two separate categories: Child (8-13 years) and Junior (14-18 years). Scott Jacobson was honored with third place in the Child category. Sarah Jackson received the Encouragement Award and Michael Sturgis received second place in the Junior category.
This year’s Chaffey Joint Union High School District Solofest also was well represented by Alpert Studio students. Hannah Meisser and Maggie Anderson received second and third place, respectively, in the Broadway division of the competition.
Congratulations to all Studio students who participaged in these events.
By billalpert | Events , violin , voice
We are pleased to announce that the Alpert Studio Winter 2008 recital will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the performance hall in Rancho Cucamonga. The rehearsal for the event will be held on Friday, November 14, in the late afternoon.
All violin and voice students are expected to participate; performance opportunities are a vital part of musical education. Please wear appropriate recital attire on the evening of the event.
Winter Studio Recital
Saturday, November 15, 2008 • 4:00 p.m.
Performance Facility: 10722 Arrow Route; Unit 104 • Rancho Cucamonga, CA
By billalpert | Studio News
A cast of hundreds including studio student Cesar Quintero perform at Disney Hall
You couldn’t help but be inspired. The dramatic sweep of Vaughan Williams‘ 20th century cantata, Dona Nobis Pacem, covers the range of emotions from tender to majestic. To be in the middle of hundreds of soaring voices and full orchestra in the acoustically perfect setting of Walt Disney Concert Hall is an experience not to be forgotten.
Indeed, studio student Cesar Quintero was in the middle of it all, along with the Festival Choir and Orchestra of the Idyllwild Music Festival. It was a performance worthy of any concert hall in the world. And it was more impressive in light of the fact that this young ensemble of students could create such a polished performance of what is a very complex and technically brilliant concert piece.
Kudos to Cesar, along with the Idyllwild faculty and student body for their efforts. It was truly in inspirational evening.
By billalpert | New Category , Studio News , voice
Alpert Studio student Mercedes Machado, picutured with Melanie Alpert, as featured in the local press. Photo: David Bauman
After attending a special summer program at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, Mercedes Machado is making waves in the regional newspaper, the Press-Enterprise. Mercedes attended the musical theater program on a recent scholarship award from the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association.
We’re proud to see yet another studio student recognized for her accomplishments. We invite you to read the full article online. Kudos, Mercedes!
By billalpert | violin , voice
Our trip to Canada brought scenes of splendor at every turn. The magic of a mountain sunset, the brilliance of a hillside covered by wildflowers, the misty spray of a waterfall all bring me into the “moment of now.” It is a visceral, physical sense of joy and completeness.
For me, music is fully another element of nature. It shares nature’s power to inspire. In peak moments it provides the same visceral sense of being at peace with myself and my world. These sometimes fleeting moments are more than enough motivation to keep me focussed on the day to day practice.
After taking in the Fiddle River (in Alberta, Canada) I wanted to bring its sense of perfect flow to my own playing. Does the river have a negative internal dialogue? Is it plagued by physical tension and performance anxiety? I just wanted to be there making music, letting a musical drama unfold in its own perfect sequence. Isn’t that how the great performers capture our imagination?
And yet finding the path to the moment is elusive… what is the key to unlocking it nature?
That is the journey, I suppose, that all musicians must embark upon. And I suppose that finding the true essence of the music I play is part of that key. A thousand notes taken together form their own sense of completeness and perfection.
Saying it more practically, I want my performance to be about something. Not necessarily a physical something, but something felt physically. Maybe it’s about the faint scent of Jasmine during an evening stroll. Maybe it’s the symphonic grandeur of glacial mountain shrouded in clouds. Or the perfectly happy feeling I get from a tiny yellow flower stealing a bit of sunshine from underneath the shadow of the trees.
By billalpert | violin , voice
Bill and Melanie are on the road to national parks in Canada. We’ll share some photos in an online gallery.
Violin lessons will resume on August 12. Voice Lessons resume on August 25. We wish you all a great summer!
–Bill and Melanie