April 2008
The Bizness
The name of a legendary hip hop tune, and also the subject of a perceptive critique by Matthew Guerrieri of Soho the Dog.
Now that's programming
Eugene Wallingford, of Knowing and Doing and head of the CS department at the University of Northern Iowa, normally writes about one type of programming. Last week he took a detour to reflect on ours at the WCFSO.
Back in Iowa
On April 15 Antonín Dvořák returned to northern Iowa. Over 4,000 Cedar Valley elementary school students attended the WCFSO Youth Concerts and experienced much of the same music the composer himself performed on his visit to our area 115 years ago. Nathan Friend, a junior at Ogden High School and winner of our 2008 Young Artist Concerto Competition, was featured. Click on the image below to see the event.
Read Melody Parker's take on 'Home & Away' at the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. My research guide for educators has further details on the program.
Expect the unexpected
Check out the 2008/9 season of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony. We offer one of the most creative and exciting concert series in Iowa [and perhaps among regional orchestras around the country]. Next season brings a fresh take on several favorites and, as ever, a healthy dose of the unexpected.
Update: Here is a preview of the upcoming concert season from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.
Earache
A gaggle of posts & public appearances coming over the next few days, as I recover from some minor inner ear issues and the WCFSO prepares to announce a new season and perform Broadway hits all at once.
Speaking of earaches, EU workplace decibel-cap legislation has recently gone into effect. For orchestras, the situation seems to be causing headaches more than anything else.
Anderson, WCFSO on air
Broadcast – My February 2, 2008 concert with the WCFSO featuring principal flutist [and Iowa musical standout] Claudia Anderson will air on Iowa Public Radio's Symphonies of Iowa series Monday at 8:00 pm and Saturday, April 26 at 10 am. [As always, time given is local.]
Let's do some Rachmaninoff, dude
What happens when two friends and former roommates get together for a heavy duty Romantic piano concerto? Find out here.
Sergei Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto no. 3, Intermezzo: Adagio featuring Alex Solomon, piano
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, April 5, 2008
Haimovitz, WCFSO on air [rebroadcast]
Broadcast – My October 6, 2007 concert with Matt Haimovitz and the WCFSO will be featured on Iowa Public Radio's Symphonies of Iowa series tonight at 8:00 pm and Thursday, April 17 at the same time. [As always, time given is local.]
Another one bites the dust... almost
At the tender age of 83, Alan Rich, one of this country's most respected music critics, has been let go by the LA Weekly. Don't know his work? Check him out for a few more weeks at his page on the paper's website.
Thankfully, Mr. Rich appears set to continue his musings on the web. A link to his new site will come as soon as it is live.
Side by side
For the past several seasons the WCFSO has hosted a side-by-side rehearsal with members of our community. This year's event featured an inside look at the third movement of Dvořák's Eighth Symphony. Local arts advocate Melody Parker of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier wrote about the experience of being onstage with us.
Orchestra Iowa
Michael Morain has a series in the Des Moines Register this week detailing the state of symphonic music in Iowa. Three articles discuss programming, engagement and marketing at five of the state's professional orchestras – Des Moines, Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and the WCFSO.
Today's piece covers marketing efforts at Iowa orchestras.
Monday's article looks at new perspectives on orchestral music offered by Iowa conductors.
The opening feature from Sunday considers some unique programming around the state.
Props to the Register and Mr. Morain for this series of articles. My only complaint is that the subtle and engaging programming we have done in recent seasons at the WCSFO was not addressed. But, of course, that is why this blog exists...
Accidental Americans preview
Many thanks to Jacqueline Halbloom and Phil Maas at KUNI/KHKE–Iowa Public Radio for the opportunity to share part of my interview previewing this weekend's WCFSO Accidental Americans concert. If you enjoy this, please consider supporting Iowa Public Radio during its current fund drive.
Interview with Jacqueline Hallbloom
KHKE–Iowa Public Radio, April 3, 2008
It's elementary
Music education and community engagement are two of my top priorities as music director of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony. In general, I believe that efforts in these areas define the future of symphonic music in this country.
In advance of the 2008 WCFSO Youth Concerts I visited Edison School in Waterloo [with whom the symphony is a Partner-in-Education] and a diverse group of eleven other elementary schools in the Cedar Valley. Fourth and fifth grade students learned the basics of the orchestra, tried out their conducting moves, and then considered the history and significance of Antonín Dvořák's visit to America and his stay in nearby Spillville, Iowa. Click on the image above to see my visit to Edison and read more about this year's 'Home & Away' Youth Concerts.
Letter links
First day of the month brings links. April focuses on a random side interest – type design.
Best typefaces of 2007 Selected by Typographica
Briar Press For and by letterpress enthusiasts
typedifferent.com by Swiss designers Buro Destruct
I Love Typography Clearly, enough said
And for all you Helvetica lovers out there – a movie, a site and a screensaver.