Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet

Two concerts down, four more to go!  It is hard to believe we have already presented two of our six concerts during the 2010/11 Concert Season, but I guess it is also a little hard to imagine how close we are to the holiday season.  On October 1, Civic Music Association presented the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet and according to many of our loyal patrons, this was the best concert they have seen in years!  I would have to agree.    From amazement to joy to complete wonder and excitement, this group provided an evening of WORLD CLASS music. 
I still am not sure how the french horn player was able to demonstrate such control of his instrument or how the group was able to master such wonderful musical balance. 

A student player talks about her performance with a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet

In addition to the performance, the group presented a master class & workshop at Iowa Public Television's Maytag Auditorium the morning of the concert as part of Civic Music Association's Partners in Music Education series.  IPTV filmed the event as part of their new "Music Masters" series scheduled to air later this year and be available online.  It was pretty exciting to be a part of a television taping, and I know it was a great experience for all of the students involved.  Thank you to Robert McConnell, Music Director from the Southeast Iowa Symphony for hosting and serving as moderator for the event! 

Two ensembles were able to play for the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet including a group from Drake University and a trio from Hoover High School.  After performing a few selections, members of the Quintet took turns coaching the groups and offering advice on performance techniques and working together as an ensemble.  As always, I was able to learn just as much as an observer.

Remember, all of our Partners in Music Education events are free and open to the public.  For a list of future events click here. 

As I said above, the holidays will be here soon!  I can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than with tickets to our first ever holiday show featuring the Boston Brass & Brass All Stars Big Band "Christmas Bells are Swinging' program.  Click here for tickets and we will see you at the show.  We will also be hosting a FREE family event that evening beginning at 6 pm in Levitt Hall, Drake University.  Holiday themed games and activities, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa will all be part of the fun.  Join us!