Sound of Charlotte Blog
Inspiring the Next Generation
November 2, 2021
A decades-long partnership between the Charlotte Symphony and Northwest School of the Arts continues to inspire the musicians of tomorrow.
After a quick tune, the musicians of Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra split into sectionals the cellos follow Charlotte Symphony cellist Denielle Wilson to work on the opening bars of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition while the first violins work on fingerings and technique with Kathleen Jarrell, assistant principal second violin for the Charlotte Symphony. These coaching sessions are part of a decades-long partnership between the Charlotte Symphony and Northwest School of the Arts, a CMS Magnet School that provides specialized arts instruction for students in grades 6-12.
The CSO's Northwest Residency Program is an immersive music education program in which NWSA students work intensively with professional Symphony musicians through individual, sectional, and ensemble settings.
"The students look forward to seeing the coaches come in," said NWSA Orchestra Director Erica Hefner. "I see students taking more ownership over their role in the ensemble, whether it's by being a leader, or by identifying their strengths and challenges."
Denielle Wilson, who recently joined the CSO, worked with NWSA cello students for the first time last month. "The students were very responsive and flexible. On the first day I was trying to get an idea of their playing levels and what they were comfortable with, and I found that they were all good at figuring out how to make music with their instruments independently, and that makes me excited as a coach!"
Kathleen Jarrell, on the other hand, has been coaching violin at NWSA for more than ten years. "It's been exciting to see the orchestra program's growth. I love helping kids feel more successful at violin, and helping them enjoy being a part of an orchestra. Performing is one of the great joys of my life, and helpings students find that joy and excitement is fulfilling."
Outside of regular coaching sessions, NWSA students attend CSO concerts and rehearsals and work with the Symphony's talented conducting staff. They can also enroll in Recital Seminar, a class unique to the region which focuses entirely on chamber music. CSO musicians serve as both coaches and mentors, focusing on the communication between players, music analysis, and expressive playing.
Erica has seen first-hand how this partnership has impacted the lives of her students both musically and personally. "Having someone who is a professional on your specific instrument tell you how, when, and why can be incredibly validating to a teenager. In a world where they are constantly questioning their choices and finding themselves, having a professional say 'Yes, that's it!' is motivating."
For Kathleen, it's about creating an experience that is enlightening and inspiring. "I hope the students come away from a coaching session with increased skills and with new confidence and a sense of accomplishment."
Read more"Most of our students do not take private lessons, so having coaches work with them on solo audition material, as well as college audition material, is not only valuable it can be life changing!" ~Erica Hefner, NWSA Orchestra Director
Instrumental Music Initiative at Northwest School of the Arts
April 25, 2013
They're talented AND silly!The Symphony partners with Northwest School of the Arts to provide coaching sessions and master classes for the school's instrumental ensembles. TheInstrumental Music Initiative at Northwest features a class for advanced musicians entitled "Recital Seminar." This course was designed specifically to provide students with an opportunity to experience the preparation and performance techniques required in a chamber ensemble setting. |
According to the instrumental music faculty at Northwest School of the Arts, "Exposing our students to career musicians through instrumental music coaching helps students link what they do in the classroom with the world of careers and music opportunities." The symphony musicians who dedicate their time to Northwest provide a valuable element to the classroom by providing their expertise not only in regard to proper technique and musicianship, but also through their experience as professionals in the musical field.
This program provides opportunities for growth not only for the students, but also for the coaches: "Answering questions and working with the students keeps our artistic lives focused and sharpened, therefore keeping our standards high while out in the community," says violin coach Susan Blumberg, who has been a part of the Instrumental Music Initiative at Northwest for five years.
Thomas Burge, who works with the program as a brass coach claims, "The most important work we do as musicians, both for the future of the musical world, and the future of community is to inspire young people to devote their energies to artistic pursuits. The work that I do through the Instrumental Music Initiative at Northwest School of the Arts ... utilizes all the schools I have as a musician and teacher, right where they are needed most."
The "Recital Seminar" chamber ensembles will hold their Spring concert at 3 pm on May 5, 2013. The program hopes to continue building on its past growth and success in the 2013-14 school year, with plans to premiere a new composition by acclaimed composer, Dan Locklair.
Written by Kristen Freeman, CSO Intern
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