Societies I take part in

Hello everyone, How are you?

I am a week away from another club gig and the beginning of a musical at LHS. Now and then I hope to blog about certain things I do, certain things that have meaning for me, and right now, certain organizations I am a part of.

To start with, I am a USM alumnus. This doesn't get me into any fancy restaurant or money-- I just graduated from USM and I am in this group.

I just started my membership in NAfME (National Association for Music Education). I should have looked into this years ago considering how many resources they offer teachers. This is good for my career and I can keep up to date with changes in the industry, possible jobs, and new publications.

I am part of the Lute Society of America. I became a member 4 years ago when I attempted to purchase a used lute from the treasurer. I ended up with a different lute, but I still enjoy the mailings they send out with music to play on it. The early music community is not large so I feel it is good to be a member and to carry on the torch no matter where I live. I am continually reminded that I should be in Europe-- if not for the chamber music to participate in, then at least for the respect given for the pursuit of early music.

I am part of the New England Viola da Gamba Society. I have played tenor viol for almost as long as I have played the lute-- it is a beautiful instrument with a great tone that takes some concentration to coax out of the gut strings. I play with a group in Cape Elizabeth, ME which I also play the lute with. Occasionally we visit Boston for a workshop and I always get mailings about other events in larger cities. The list of members for this society is even smaller than the Lute Society, so I feel even more special. Someday I hope a door opens for me with this but until then I am happy to share a passion with others.

Last (for now that I want to mention), are the two orchestras that I am part of. I don't merely "play"the music in these collective groups; I also research it, develop it, and performing it after crafting it with everyone. I work under the batons of Paul Ross (cellist with Portland String Quartet) and Hiroya Miura (Bates professor). Both possess an immense knowledge on symphonic works and that gets transferred to us as players. It is through my work in these orchestras that I have gained insight into the workings of great composers and also a new love of the power the conductor has. Although my degree program is in Music Education, I am hoping to add a conducting minor. Controlling an orchestra is a far greater exercise than a single instrument (imagine all of them).

(Pictured above is Paul Ross and Hiroya Miura-- two amazing minds who can convey the world)

Thank you