A FEW WHITE SHEETS FROM THE FIRST BPYO REHEARSAL – SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 Dear Mr. Zander, There is an innocence in hearing a piece for the first time, a kind of innocence that is unbelievably exciting – it fills your core, your eyes, and fills your entire being with awe and with Goosebumps and with shivers – an innocence where the mistakes do not matter because the experience itself is so overwhelming. I felt that innocence today, playing the Bartok for the first time in five years. So often for me recently, I have sometimes felt underwhelmed, almost disappointed, when I re-experience a piece after not having played it for a while. But something about today brought back that joyful innocence – completely unexpected. And for that I am grateful. With Love, Leland P. Ko BZ I felt the same excitement, although I have conducted the piece several times and known it for decades. I wonder why? I think it has something to do with the group that was playing on Saturday. We came into the experience directly from distinguishing the world of possibility. There were so many new people in the room who had never made music together before; the talk about the tour; the make-up of an orchestra of so many different ages and schools; perhaps also that the difficult passages had already been mastered by most people in preparation for the auditions. Now the test is keep the level of excitement high all the way till the concert. I love your idea of innocence. I wonder if the idea that a man had gotten up off his death-bed, wasted away to 87 lbs to write it was so inspiring to everyone that they simply unlocked all their emotions. I am rather stunned to think you played this piece 5 years ago! Were you 11? -- Wow!! Um..Okay. This has been one of the most nerve-wracking couple hours I’ve ever experienced. I’m feeling kind of overwhelmed, I’m thinking “OMG, I have to go home and practice…” and I…well, I guess I’m feeling rather relieved too: I made it through rehearsal #1! Coming out of the BYSO system, it’s kind of a “culture shock” (if you will) to have the conductor talk about all sorts of things for a number of minutes (inspirational, cheerful, fear-inducing things) and also play through (sight-reading) 3 different pieces and sound like (almost) music!! Thank you so much for an exciting 4 hrs!! (P.S. I’m not sure how/what I’m supposed to write…but hey, at least I tried, right?) Best, Eujin Kim BZ This is a perfect white sheet, Eujin. Thank you for trying! I love your excitement and passion. Everyone has to rush home and practice. Of course you found the experience nerve-wracking, you are 13 years old! It is easy to forget how it must feel for someone coming into the BPYO for the very first time. It must be a stunning experience. People are still talking about the first time they played in the orchestra in Heldenleben three years ago! One of the college horn players told me after the rehearsal that he had experienced a culture shock too. In his youth orchestra the first rehearsal had been just a chaotic, rather meaningless bash through. I am surprised you found some of the things I said in the introduction “fear-inducing”. Did you notice the Downward Spiral this week? Possibility has a way of liberating us from fear. Next week, I will give you all a chance to really play with that idea. Welcome to BPYO. -- Dear Mr. Zander, It’s incredible being back here in BFIT! I am so excited for this year and our tour! The orchestra already sounds incredible, and I can only imagine how far we’ll go this year! With much excitement and love, Nathan Kwak (P.S. the drive from CT is so worth the experience!) BZ: Nathan, I am so happy that people like you are willing to come enormous distances to play in BPYO. Thank you for your devotion. -- Dear Mr. Zander, What an exciting and energetic rehearsal! I am so glad and happy to be back in orchestra. And I am really excited about the tour! If we do go it would be my first time visiting Europe. One of the things I thought about this week was the question you askedin my audition about what I would miss most when I left this orchestra. In the moment, I failed to mention what really does make this orchestra special (to me). The assignments. They always leave me with new determination and energy for the week ahead. I very much liked what you said about “breaking away from our tribes.” This has come up a lot in the past few weeks with school starting and new students. Also about “speaking louder.” This is one I struggle with but I am determined to improve a lot. I am very excited for the pieces we are playing. Much practicing will be needed though (so many notes in the last movement of Bartok – but that’s what makes it exciting.) Thank you so much for a wonderful rehearsal and have a great week! - Lauryn Phinney BZ: Lauryn, I spoke to Roz this morning. She is on a yacht in the Aegean Sea in Greece. We talked about the assignments and worked out the next one for Saturday. I love that you say that the assignments “leave me with new determination and energy for the week ahead”. It is absolutely thrilling to me that so many of the members of BPYO see the opportunity to grow and develop by taking on the assignments. Just spending a week thinking about projecting your voice into the world, so that your words can make a difference, is so valuable. You can use your whole body to project what you are saying. Just noticing the energy required to enroll other people in the things that you are excited about is so powerful. Everybody understands that it takes terrific energy to get a hockey puck from one end of a field to another, why wouldn’t it take the same amount of passion and energy to project an idea? Noticing the Downward Spiral all around us opens us up to whole arena of possibility. -- Today was a thrill! I have never been so invigorated, yet humbled by so many talented and brilliant people, as I have been today. I am not particularly great at sightreading, so to hear the musicians around me play at such a high, seemingly well-rehearsed level was motivating – I want to come back next week with a prepared and focused mind. Though I had to struggle with the music today, I found the experience exciting, not negative. It was comforting when I recognized the excerpts (in the Bartok), which gave me a hopeful glimpse at what I can accomplish this year. On the other hand, I was utterly lost at other points, and this helped put things in perspective. Above all, I respected your conducting. It is what turned this daunting and unfamiliar experience into something quite enjoyable. You’re a man of your word, Mr. Zander – you coached, not criticized. You were constructive in your comments, which helped realize your vision and the vision of the piece. You also gave us room to make mistakes, which is especially important during the first rehearsal. “How fascinating!” was especially encouraging. Thanks again for such a great day! Sincerely, Shahar Amitay BZ Shahar, I really appreciate that you noticed that by staying in possibility, a conductor can turn a “daunting” experience into an enjoyable one. One of the benefits of the white sheets is that if the conductor (leader) goes “off track” and gets mean or sarcastic, a player can “coach” him back “on track” by writing on the white sheet. I call the white sheets “ass-hole protection”- they can protect the players from over-bearing conductors! It used to be the function of the musicians’ union. However, in a possibility organization, the union is the one between the conductor and the players – unified, as partners, in bringing the music to full fruition. Incidentally don’t think you were the only one having difficulty with sigh-reading this incredibly hard music. There were a lot of people in your position. The great thing is to notice that the passages that had been prepared for the audition came easily. All that is needed now is to get everything up to the level of the audition excerpts. -- Dear Mr. Zander, I have never felt this excited after an orchestra rehearsal as today!! I can’t believe that we are playing Concerto for Orchestra: it has always been one of my favorite pieces (there is a certain unique magical beauty about it), and to be able to play it with the Dvorak is amazing. I’ve thought a lot about the role that music plays in my life, and after today, this has reminded me why we all choose to play music. Thank you, Ben Covell BZ: Beautiful, Ben. I think a lot of people were having thoughts like that on Saturday. -- Dear Mr. Zander, WOW! It’s so great to be back in BPYO. I’m again reminded of what an incredibly special group this is, and I thank you for this opportunity. What stood out to me the most during your talk was what you said about renewing our engagement with possibility. As I’ve worked with you for the past four years – this year being my fifth – it would seem natural to feel like I’ve somewhat mastered the art of possibility; but that’s the thing about possibility – it never ends, and there’s always room to grow in this mentality. So, thank you for that much needed reminder. At my audition, you asked me what I brought from BPYO to Tanglewood; what I failed to include in my answer was the spirit of BPYO. Everyone seemed daunted by the thought of putting Mahler 5 together in 2 weeks, but I made a conscious effort to bring everyone who was in the downward spiral into the world of possibility. It’s amazing how we’re able to take all the assignments we get here and apply them to all aspects of our lives. So in the spirit of possibility, I look forward to what will likely be my last year with you – all the challenges and the joys, I welcome it all with open arms. Love, Hyunnew Choi BZ: Hyunnew, Your white sheet brought tears to my eyes, because you capture in your beautiful words all that I live for as a musician and as a teacher. I am so happy that you recognize that we are never masters of the Art of Possibility, that it is a lifelong discipline. You have become an instrument for possibility and that is what your life will always be about. It is a privilege to have you in the BPYO and I am especially happy that you are leading the 2nds. --- Dear Mr. Zander, Walking into BFIT today was like coming back home. It’s so hard to believe that 2 years ago was our first BPYO rehearsal, and I had walked into BFIT once, not knowing at all what to expect but the possibility of something great. I was talking to the Churchill twins, Johnny, and James last night at the potluck, and Emma presented an idea which I thought was great. We talked about how there could be a BPYO student committee which could organize fundraisers for the orchestra or simply fun bonding activities for the orchestra. This group would learn leadership skills while fundraising and helping the general unity of the group. What do you think of this idea? Anyways, I can really feel that this is going to be a great year. Hearing the details of our tour gave me chills. I cannot wait to see where we go this year J With love, Lilia Chang (PS I would be interested in Crescendo) BZ: I love the idea of a group that takes on organizing fund-raisers. Can you and Emma call a meeting to get it started? -- Dear Mr. Zander, It’s good to be back. Actually it’s wonderful! Things are somewhat familiar, but there are so many new people as well that I’m really excited to meet. Not only are there lots of new people, but I also have a new stand partner! Although I miss Njioma a lot, it’s really nice to play alongside somebody new - especially Henry, who is both extremely cute and extremely good. It’s a different experience to be the older stand partner, and it will definitely be a unique experience this year. Looking forward to this year! Love, Emily Chen BZ: Emily, I love your openhearted approach. Most fifteen-year-old girls would be horrified to be assigned a seat next to a 10-year-old boy. Talk about breaking out of your tribe!!! You are both generous and smart to appreciate Henry’s very special gifts. That attitude will help in integrating him into the group. I am feeling good about our decision to include someone so much younger than the rest. It’s people like you who make these risky decisions feel so natural. Thank you! -- I’m so excited to have this opportunity! Everyone keeps thanking me for coming but I feel like I should be thanking you! The first rehearsal exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait for this year! Add what sounds like an amazing tour! -Philip McNaughton BZ: Phillip, we are thrilled to have you and appreciate the effort you are making to travel from Hartford every week. You are a wonderful bassoonist and, just like with Hikaru, it is always extremely moving when someone enrolled in a top-flight conservatoire, in a distant town, makes the effort to travel to play in the BPYO on their free week-end. Esther Pak This is my first BPYO rehearsal. Leaving YPO at NEC was an incredibly difficult decision for me. After this rehearsal I realized that I am not leaving YPO. I am simply starting a new journey - BPYO. I hope to make memories in BPYO. BZ: Esther, I suspect that everyone who has made the decision to leave NEC to play in BPYO has had this struggle. I LOVE that you have reframed it not as a leaving, but as “starting a new journey”. That is so wise and mature. We never really “leave” the people and the institutions we love - we just start new journeys! Welcome to the journey! There will undoubtedly be many memories that we will create all together! -- Dear Mr. Zander, It’s great to be back. After hearing the recording of Shostakovich 5 last night, I went home thinking about how much this orchestra can do and how much it’s impacted my life – not just musically, but also spiritually. I found myself thinking, why shouldn’t this year be our best yet? Why not push myself harder – not just for me, but for my peers as well? I think this orchestra has the capacity to change people – the musicians and the audiences alike. I believe that we can put on performances that will leave people still clutching at their hearts as they head home – that’s what I did last night after listening to our recording. Courtney BZ: Courtney, this is a beautiful thought, beautifully expressed. I think that each one of us, every time we take out our instruments to practice, or study a score, believe that we can deeply touch people’s lives. It’s why we play in the fantastic halls we play in and raise all the money to take our music on tour to foreign lands. To leave “people still clutching at their hearts as they head home.” I KNOW we did that for the people in the Netherlands and in New York. Now let’s find a way for us to do it in the Czech Republic, Berlin and Switzerland. I love and cherish your passion -- Dear Mr. Zander, I felt like my white sheet this week did not express everything I was feeling in regards to the rehearsal, so I have decided to email you. Coming into the first BPYO rehearsal on Saturday, I was both nervous and excited. I had made so many new friends the previous night at the Potluck and was excited to meet many more people! I was nervous because I thought, What if Im not good enough compared to everyone else? and What will my seating be?. After you finished talking to us, all my fears and negative thoughts had completely subsided because I knew I was supposed to be here. When we began the first movement of the Bartok, it was as if though I was transported to an entirely different world filled with passionate notes being played by every single person in the room. The way it all came together so fast was one of the most amazing things I have experienced. It filled me with so much joy to know that I was part of such a great group of people making some of worlds most historic music come to life. Thank you for making feel that I am good enough and I am honored to be a part of BPYO! I look forward to our upcoming rehearsals! Sincerely yours, Setareh Parvaresh -- BZ: Setareh, what you are describing is the journey from the Downward Spiral to Possibility. You began in fear and apprehension “Am I good enough?” “Where will I be seated?” “How do I compare?” to that glorious moment when you say with lightness and confidence: “I knew I was supposed to be here”. That is the journey we are on and we have as our guide, some of the greatest music every composed. You write: “It filled me with so much joy”. To be filled with joy is the true destiny of human beings. That is the heaven we live for, NOW. Dear Mr. Zander, When we entered the BPYO Potluck last Friday, I will admit that I was a bit nervous. Meeting new people is not the most fun activity and Im not really a social person. However, the moment I sat down at a table, I was shocked by how many people were going out of their way to introduce themselves, share a funny story, or just be kind, even though I was only one of a whole slew of newcomers to the group. I mean, how often is it that you go to a picnic of strangers and come away with 40 new friends? Even though we have only had one rehearsal, I can already tell that this experience will be something completely different than anything I have ever had. The level of individual musicianship is astounding. How crazy is it that this youth orchestra has players from the Menuhin competition, some of the worlds top conservatories, and real symphony auditions all in one place? I am excited beyond words to get to hear Natalia Gutman, one of the great Russian cellists, play and to think that we are playing with her is just unbelievable. To conclude, I wanted to thank you for creating this new kind of youth orchestra. Already, I can tell that its not just about the music; we can change the world. Cant wait for Saturday!, Abby Lorimier BZ: Abby, I am occasionally accused of exaggerating, but, you see, there is no way of exaggerating when we think of people like you who embrace life with such fervor and abandon. Thank you for being available from the very first moment to what BPYO has to offer. I think you are right - we CAN change the world! A FEW WHITE SHEETS – SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 -- Dear Mr. Zander, There is an innocence in hearing a piece for the first time, a kind of innocence that is unbelievably exciting – it fills your core, your eyes, and fills your entire being with awe and with Goosebumps and with shivers – an innocence where the mistakes do not matter because the experience itself is so overwhelming. I felt that innocence today, playing the Bartok for the first time in five years. So often for me recently, I have sometimes felt underwhelmed, almost disappointed, when I re-experience a piece after not having played it for a while. But something about today brought back that joyful innocence – completely unexpected. And for that I am grateful. With Love, Leland P. Ko BZ I felt the same excitement, although I have conducted the piece several times and known it for decades. I wonder why? I think it has something to do with the group that was playing on Saturday. We came into the experience directly from distinguishing the world of possibility. There were so many new people in the room who had never made music together before; the talk about the tour; the make-up of an orchestra of so many different ages and schools; perhaps also that the difficult passages had already been mastered by most people in preparation for the auditions. Now the test is keep the level of excitement high all the way till the concert. I love your idea of innocence. I wonder if the idea that a man had gotten up off his death-bed, wasted away to 87 lbs to write it was so inspiring to everyone that they simply unlocked all their emotions. I am rather stunned to think you played this piece 5 years ago! Were you 11? -- Wow!! Um..Okay. This has been one of the most nerve-wracking couple hours I’ve ever experienced. I’m feeling kind of overwhelmed, I’m thinking “OMG, I have to go home and practice…” and I…well, I guess I’m feeling rather relieved too: I made it through rehearsal #1! Coming out of the BYSO system, it’s kind of a “culture shock” (if you will) to have the conductor talk about all sorts of things for a number of minutes (inspirational, cheerful, fear-inducing things) and also play through (sight-reading) 3 different pieces and sound like (almost) music!! Thank you so much for an exciting 4 hrs!! (P.S. I’m not sure how/what I’m supposed to write…but hey, at least I tried, right?) Best, Eujin Kim BZ This is a perfect white sheet, Eujin. Thank you for trying! I love your excitement and passion. Everyone has to rush home and practice. Of course you found the experience nerve-wracking, you are 13 years old! It is easy to forget how it must feel for someone coming into the BPYO for the very first time. It must be a stunning experience. People are still talking about the first time they played in the orchestra in Heldenleben three years ago! One of the college horn players told me after the rehearsal that he had experienced a culture shock too. In his youth orchestra the first rehearsal had been just a chaotic, rather meaningless bash through. I am surprised you found some of the things I said in the introduction “fear-inducing”. Did you notice the Downward Spiral this week? Possibility has a way of liberating us from fear. Next week, I will give you all a chance to really play with that idea. Welcome to BPYO. -- Dear Mr. Zander, It’s incredible being back here in BFIT! I am so excited for this year and our tour! The orchestra already sounds incredible, and I can only imagine how far we’ll go this year! With much excitement and love, Nathan Kwak (P.S. the drive from CT is so worth the experience!) BZ: Nathan, I am so happy that people like you are willing to come enormous distances to play in BPYO. Thank you for your devotion. -- Dear Mr. Zander, What an exciting and energetic rehearsal! I am so glad and happy to be back in orchestra. And I am really excited about the tour! If we do go it would be my first time visiting Europe. One of the things I thought about this week was the question you askedin my audition about what I would miss most when I left this orchestra. In the moment, I failed to mention what really does make this orchestra special (to me). The assignments. They always leave me with new determination and energy for the week ahead. I very much liked what you said about “breaking away from our tribes.” This has come up a lot in the past few weeks with school starting and new students. Also about “speaking louder.” This is one I struggle with but I am determined to improve a lot. I am very excited for the pieces we are playing. Much practicing will be needed though (so many notes in the last movement of Bartok – but that’s what makes it exciting.) Thank you so much for a wonderful rehearsal and have a great week! - Lauryn Phinney BZ: Lauryn, I spoke to Roz this morning. She is on a yacht in the Aegean Sea in Greece. We talked about the assignments and worked out the next one for Saturday. I love that you say that the assignments “leave me with new determination and energy for the week ahead”. It is absolutely thrilling to me that so many of the members of BPYO see the opportunity to grow and develop by taking on the assignments. Just spending a week thinking about projecting your voice into the world, so that your words can make a difference, is so valuable. You can use your whole body to project what you are saying. Just noticing the energy required to enroll other people in the things that you are excited about is so powerful. Everybody understands that it takes terrific energy to get a hockey puck from one end of a field to another, why wouldn’t it take the same amount of passion and energy to project an idea? Noticing the Downward Spiral all around us opens us up to whole arena of possibility. -- Today was a thrill! I have never been so invigorated, yet humbled by so many talented and brilliant people, as I have been today. I am not particularly great at sightreading, so to hear the musicians around me play at such a high, seemingly well-rehearsed level was motivating – I want to come back next week with a prepared and focused mind. Though I had to struggle with the music today, I found the experience exciting, not negative. It was comforting when I recognized the excerpts (in the Bartok), which gave me a hopeful glimpse at what I can accomplish this year. On the other hand, I was utterly lost at other points, and this helped put things in perspective. Above all, I respected your conducting. It is what turned this daunting and unfamiliar experience into something quite enjoyable. You’re a man of your word, Mr. Zander – you coached, not criticized. You were constructive in your comments, which helped realize your vision and the vision of the piece. You also gave us room to make mistakes, which is especially important during the first rehearsal. “How fascinating!” was especially encouraging. Thanks again for such a great day! Sincerely, Shahar Amitay BZ Shahar, I really appreciate that you noticed that by staying in possibility, a conductor can turn a “daunting” experience into an enjoyable one. One of the benefits of the white sheets is that if the conductor (leader) goes “off track” and gets mean or sarcastic, a player can “coach” him back “on track” by writing on the white sheet. I call the white sheets “ass-hole protection”- they can protect the players from over-bearing conductors! It used to be the function of the musicians’ union. However, in a possibility organization, the union is the one between the conductor and the players – unified, as partners, in bringing the music to full fruition. Incidentally don’t think you were the only one having difficulty with sigh-reading this incredibly hard music. There were a lot of people in your position. The great thing is to notice that the passages that had been prepared for the audition came easily. All that is needed now is to get everything up to the level of the audition excerpts. -- Dear Mr. Zander, I have never felt this excited after an orchestra rehearsal as today!! I can’t believe that we are playing Concerto for Orchestra: it has always been one of my favorite pieces (there is a certain unique magical beauty about it), and to be able to play it with the Dvorak is amazing. I’ve thought a lot about the role that music plays in my life, and after today, this has reminded me why we all choose to play music. Thank you, Ben Covell BZ: Beautiful, Ben. I think a lot of people were having thoughts like that on Saturday. -- Dear Mr. Zander, WOW! It’s so great to be back in BPYO. I’m again reminded of what an incredibly special group this is, and I thank you for this opportunity. What stood out to me the most during your talk was what you said about renewing our engagement with possibility. As I’ve worked with you for the past four years – this year being my fifth – it would seem natural to feel like I’ve somewhat mastered the art of possibility; but that’s the thing about possibility – it never ends, and there’s always room to grow in this mentality. So, thank you for that much needed reminder. At my audition, you asked me what I brought from BPYO to Tanglewood; what I failed to include in my answer was the spirit of BPYO. Everyone seemed daunted by the thought of putting Mahler 5 together in 2 weeks, but I made a conscious effort to bring everyone who was in the downward spiral into the world of possibility. It’s amazing how we’re able to take all the assignments we get here and apply them to all aspects of our lives. So in the spirit of possibility, I look forward to what will likely be my last year with you – all the challenges and the joys, I welcome it all with open arms. Love, Hyunnew Choi BZ: Hyunnew, Your white sheet brought tears to my eyes, because you capture in your beautiful words all that I live for as a musician and as a teacher. I am so happy that you recognize that we are never masters of the Art of Possibility, that it is a lifelong discipline. You have become an instrument for possibility and that is what your life will always be about. It is a privilege to have you in the BPYO and I am especially happy that you are leading the 2nds. --- Dear Mr. Zander, Walking into BFIT today was like coming back home. It’s so hard to believe that 2 years ago was our first BPYO rehearsal, and I had walked into BFIT once, not knowing at all what to expect but the possibility of something great. I was talking to the Churchill twins, Johnny, and James last night at the potluck, and Emma presented an idea which I thought was great. We talked about how there could be a BPYO student committee which could organize fundraisers for the orchestra or simply fun bonding activities for the orchestra. This group would learn leadership skills while fundraising and helping the general unity of the group. What do you think of this idea? Anyways, I can really feel that this is going to be a great year. Hearing the details of our tour gave me chills. I cannot wait to see where we go this year J With love, Lilia Chang (PS I would be interested in Crescendo) BZ: I love the idea of a group that takes on organizing fund-raisers. Can you and Emma call a meeting to get it started? -- Dear Mr. Zander, It’s good to be back. Actually it’s wonderful! Things are somewhat familiar, but there are so many new people as well that I’m really excited to meet. Not only are there lots of new people, but I also have a new stand partner! Although I miss Njioma a lot, it’s really nice to play alongside somebody new - especially Henry, who is both extremely cute and extremely good. It’s a different experience to be the older stand partner, and it will definitely be a unique experience this year. Looking forward to this year! Love, Emily Chen BZ: Emily, I love your openhearted approach. Most fifteen-year-old girls would be horrified to be assigned a seat next to a 10-year-old boy. Talk about breaking out of your tribe!!! You are both generous and smart to appreciate Henry’s very special gifts. That attitude will help in integrating him into the group. I am feeling good about our decision to include someone so much younger than the rest. It’s people like you who make these risky decisions feel so natural. Thank you! -- I’m so excited to have this opportunity! Everyone keeps thanking me for coming but I feel like I should be thanking you! The first rehearsal exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait for this year! Add what sounds like an amazing tour! -Philip McNaughton BZ: Phillip, we are thrilled to have you and appreciate the effort you are making to travel from Hartford every week. You are a wonderful bassoonist and, just like with Hikaru, it is always extremely moving when someone enrolled in a top-flight conservatoire, in a distant town, makes the effort to travel to play in the BPYO on their free week-end. Esther Pak This is my first BPYO rehearsal. Leaving YPO at NEC was an incredibly difficult decision for me. After this rehearsal I realized that I am not leaving YPO. I am simply starting a new journey - BPYO. I hope to make memories in BPYO. BZ: Esther, I suspect that everyone who has made the decision to leave NEC to play in BPYO has had this struggle. I LOVE that you have reframed it not as a leaving, but as “starting a new journey”. That is so wise and mature. We never really “leave” the people and the institutions we love - we just start new journeys! Welcome to the journey! There will undoubtedly be many memories that we will create all together! -- Dear Mr. Zander, It’s great to be back. After hearing the recording of Shostakovich 5 last night, I went home thinking about how much this orchestra can do and how much it’s impacted my life – not just musically, but also spiritually. I found myself thinking, why shouldn’t this year be our best yet? Why not push myself harder – not just for me, but for my peers as well? I think this orchestra has the capacity to change people – the musicians and the audiences alike. I believe that we can put on performances that will leave people still clutching at their hearts as they head home – that’s what I did last night after listening to our recording. Courtney BZ: Courtney, this is a beautiful thought, beautifully expressed. I think that each one of us, every time we take out our instruments to practice, or study a score, believe that we can deeply touch people’s lives. It’s why we play in the fantastic halls we play in and raise all the money to take our music on tour to foreign lands. To leave “people still clutching at their hearts as they head home.” I KNOW we did that for the people in the Netherlands and in New York. Now let’s find a way for us to do it in the Czech Republic, Berlin and Switzerland. I love and cherish your passion -- Dear Mr. Zander, I felt like my white sheet this week did not express everything I was feeling in regards to the rehearsal, so I have decided to email you. Coming into the first BPYO rehearsal on Saturday, I was both nervous and excited. I had made so many new friends the previous night at the Potluck and was excited to meet many more people! I was nervous because I thought, What if Im not good enough compared to everyone else? and What will my seating be?. After you finished talking to us, all my fears and negative thoughts had completely subsided because I knew I was supposed to be here. When we began the first movement of the Bartok, it was as if though I was transported to an entirely different world filled with passionate notes being played by every single person in the room. The way it all came together so fast was one of the most amazing things I have experienced. It filled me with so much joy to know that I was part of such a great group of people making some of worlds most historic music come to life. Thank you for making feel that I am good enough and I am honored to be a part of BPYO! I look forward to our upcoming rehearsals! Sincerely yours, Setareh Parvaresh -- BZ: Setareh, what you are describing is the journey from the Downward Spiral to Possibility. You began in fear and apprehension “Am I good enough?” “Where will I be seated?” “How do I compare?” to that glorious moment when you say with lightness and confidence: “I knew I was supposed to be here”. That is the journey we are on and we have as our guide, some of the greatest music every composed. You write: “It filled me with so much joy”. To be filled with joy is the true destiny of human beings. That is the heaven we live for, NOW. Dear Mr. Zander, When we entered the BPYO Potluck last Friday, I will admit that I was a bit nervous. Meeting new people is not the most fun activity and Im not really a social person. However, the moment I sat down at a table, I was shocked by how many people were going out of their way to introduce themselves, share a funny story, or just be kind, even though I was only one of a whole slew of newcomers to the group. I mean, how often is it that you go to a picnic of strangers and come away with 40 new friends? Even though we have only had one rehearsal, I can already tell that this experience will be something completely different than anything I have ever had. The level of individual musicianship is astounding. How crazy is it that this youth orchestra has players from the Menuhin competition, some of the worlds top conservatories, and real symphony auditions all in one place? I am excited beyond words to get to hear Natalia Gutman, one of the great Russian cellists, play and to think that we are playing with her is just unbelievable. To conclude, I wanted to thank you for creating this new kind of youth orchestra. Already, I can tell that its not just about the music; we can change the world. Cant wait for Saturday!, Abby Lorimier BZ: Abby, I am occasionally accused of exaggerating, but, you see, there is no way of exaggerating when we think of people like you who embrace life with such fervor and abandon. Thank you for being available from the very first moment to what BPYO has to offer. I think you are right - we CAN change the world!
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 00:19:13 +0000
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