I want to be sure you know about 2 events coming up for amateur musicians.
The first is the Adult Strings Weekend at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. It is sponsored by their Community Music School and is open to amateur adult players of all string instruments, even bass! It’s run by Dr. Anne Witt, cellist extraordinaire, and Joe Lee, an excellent musician and our conductor. Joe offers insights into music that you’ll hear nowhere else. (What does “Forte” mean? Not loud, as I thought. but strong!) And he’s a nice guy to boot! Many have been going year after year but you won’t find a nicer, more accepting group of adult amateurs. Take advantage of all they offer. Mark your calendar, Aug. 24-26 and check it out at https://cms.music.ua.edu/adult-strings-weekend/
The second event is cellos only- at the South Carolina Cellobration, to be held this year at Furman University in Greenville, SC (the location rotates between SC colleges). This is the 39th year of the event and you will be in a sea of 200 cellists of all ages and abilities. OK, it’s mostly kids, but there are many adults there as well. It’s a 2 day event, Sept. 21-22. On Friday there are master classes to observe and be amazed. A concert by the clinicians Friday night, is not to be missed. On Saturday it’s play-all-day on stage with your new 200 friends. It’s somewhat overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you. You can choose your music level to play and with that many musicians don’t worry about a missed note (or measure, or phrase!). Don’t be intimidated by the 8 year old who plays like a pro. It’s the experience of playing with that many people who share your passion. There is really nothing like it.
David B Teague says:
I just realized that I have missed the Adult Strings at U AL this year, but we have had a lot of plumbing trouble with the house, so my mind has not been on string events elsewhere. I’ve put those dates in my calendar for next year.