Last Days at Civic Music

I have seven days left as an intern at Civic Music Association. One of the great things about working at CMA is that every day is different, and I never know what I’ll be doing until I get to work. The majority of my days pass quickly, and this whole internship experience went by so fast.

Although this internship only lasted 4 months, I have learned so much in such a short time. I have learned something new everyday when I was here, which is extremely beneficial for someone that is graduating and going into the “real world.” Marketing is an important aspect of Civic Music Association and as a marketing major I have seen various aspects of marketing that I could have never learned from a textbook.

Watching Carrie get filmed during an interview with the Mayor and the Byron Stripling Quartet concert were some of the most memorable experiences at Civic Music. Being able to see everything that goes on before an interview was interesting to me. I was surprised to see how little preparation Carrie needed before the interview and how well she did while being interviewed.

The Byron Stripling Quartet was one of my favorite concerts I attended at Civic Music mainly because of Byron’s humor on stage as well as the music he played. Because of this internship, I have a new appreciation of jazz and classical music. The Meet the Artist Reception for John Pizzarelli, which was also my third day at Civic Music, was probably the most hectic experience during this internship. I felt so lost and completely overwhelmed!

I truly do believe that this internship is a great opportunity for anyone that has not had any real work experience, especially for someone that wants to be involved with a non-profit organization. I personally feel more confident looking for jobs after going through this internship experience.

Danijela Radocaj

Bye Bye 84th Season

I am anxiously awaiting tonight's concert featuring the Georgia Guitar Quartet. We just printed all the tickets to sell at the door, and in a few minutes, we will start loading the CMA company car (my Honda CRV) with all the concert stuff. Then we head over to Drake's Sheslow Auditorium for load-in and set-up.

This morning, I had the pleasure of accompanying the Quartet to Hillis Elementary School. First of all, they are a very charming group. Young, hip, and great presenters! The 4th and 5th graders at Hillis had a great time and has tons of great questions. I am hoping to see a lot of them at the concert tonight.


Tonight closes our 84th Season. Thank you to all of the wonderful artists who shared their talents with us and all our subscribers, donors and members who make it possible. It has been a great second year for me, and I look forward to next season.

A Little Bit of Georgia in Des Moines!

Civic Music Association will present the Georgia Guitar Quartet in concert on Friday, April 17 at 7:30 pm in Sheslow Auditorium. If you are a fan of classical guitar, you are going to LOVE this concert. These four men from the America South truly bring a new and refreshing voice to classical guitar!

For me, this was a new adventure. If I am listening to acoustic guitar it is usually Tim Reynolds, Dave Matthews or someone like John Prine. However, after listening to the Quartet's newest CD "Mosaic" all week, I am hooked! From classical favorites from Ravel and Chopin to arrangements by Quartet Member, Jason Solomon, you will not be disappointed!

In other news, I can't believe this is the last concert of our 2008/09 Season!

Here are my favorite memories of each concert:

--Discussing music therapy with Regina Carter, and learning it is her biggest passion. She is an amazing woman and musician!

--Trying to pile four of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble artists AND their instruments in my jetta to transport them from the airport to the Hotel Ft. Des Moines. I think they were hanging out of my windows!

--Watching Andreas Klein coach Drake University piano students during his fabulous Master Class.

--Laughing in the car with John Pizzarelli and band as he did a stellar impression of singer Michael McDonald! I believe he had made up a song about a fellow band member's high electric bill in New York City.

--Seeing my old friend Byron Stripling and loving every minute of his concert and educational workshop at Roosevelt High School.

In a previous post, I discussed our Partners in Music Education Programs. Here is some information about the program scheduled for the Georgia Guitar Quartet. This program is generously sponsored by the Douglas Dixon Memorial Fund.

Date: Friday, April 17

Time: 10:00 am

Location: Hillis Elementary

The Georgia Guitar Quartet will present an interactive workshop for students at Hillis Elementary. All participating students will receive a discount ticket to the concert that evening.

Still need tickets? Click Here

See you at the concert!