Our departure from DC means that we have our touring orchestra back. It's amazing how different musicians are across the country. (For those who don't know, we pick up local musicians in some of the big cities, ie Chicago, LA, Detroit, DC). The locals from DC were part of the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra. While the cast members of our show will tell you that the orchestra there was a mess, the players there were very different than our touring orchestra. They are opera players who are used to playing in large sections. Yes they made mistakes (but don't we all?), but the major difference was just their approach to their instruments. As our violist very accurately put it, our touring orchestra is made up of "pit monsters." Basically, we're all beasts and approach our instruments with an aggressive vigor. The orchestra at the Kennedy Center had a much lighter approach to their playing. Still equally as beautiful, just different.
It has been fascinating to see these differences as I travel the country. When you go to school for music, you develop this complex that makes you feel like you have to sound like the people around you at school. What I've learned: everyone has a different sound and that's the beauty of the art. Find your sound, find your niche, and enjoy being an individual.
Completely unrelated: I'm going to start posting pictures. See below.
The Kennedy Center Opera House. Heaven.
Catherine (our violist, and my violin sub that week) and me outside.
Prepare to geek out. Carl Kasell! We toured NPR during our second week of DC. It was incredible. Such an amazing organization.
Even my mother has made a cameo appearance. Mom and me outside the White House (another amazing tour)
Take note of the conductor.
The best pic from that matinee. (Should I be mirroring so much...no.)
Ok, as if this post wasn't long enough (I think its my longest yet...), I'm going to recommend another blog, http://travelinghorns.blogspot.com/. This is from the second horn player (she inspired me with the pics). Her blog is fantastic. Also, I'm featured in it this week! Check out the sexy scarf tying technique.
I'm going to try to be better about updating. It gives me something to do on the road.
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