Last Saturday night we concluded the 85th Anniversary Season with jazz singer Jackie Ryan. I honestly can't believe the Season is over and it is time to get ready for the 10/11 Season! It is always fun to reflect on the past season and think about my favorite memories. Here are a few to share:
--Having lunch at A Dong with Mark O'Connor and feeling completely star struck! He even asked my opinion on issues he was working on for his new string methods books. I was flattered and humbled to be discussing music education with such a famous musician and educator.
--Our Donor Appreciation Reception following the Kurt Elling concert at Lucca was a blast! At one point, Kurt Elling and his bassist were sitting in with the local piano player. It was also a great way to thank our donors while enjoying great food!
--Besides being a SOLD OUT concert the Vienna Boys Choir concert was amazing! I will never forget the group pulling up to Sheslow Auditorium on the tour bus and marching off in a straight line in matching coats and hats. Adorable and professional!
--The 85th Anniversary Gala was a HUGE hit! Thank you to Down to Details for their beautiful decorations and party planning. It was also wonderful to have music by Roxi Copland and the Belin Quartet prior to the evening's concert featuring the Russell Malone Quartet.
--The Poulenc Trio agreed to do two Partners in Music Education Programs in conjunction with their concert. The first was a workshop at East High School followed by a Master Class at Drake University. They were excellent with the students and it was fabulous to see so many at the concert that evening. Also, thank you to Alba for hosting a dinner for the Trio after the concert.
--Jackie Ryan was a delight! The highlight of this concert was my OWN personal concert at Hoover High School as Jackie and her accompanist rehearsed with local jazz musicians Steve Charlson and Jim Eklof. It is still hard to believe how little they needed to rehearse to create something so great! After the rehearsal, the group conducted a workshop for over 100 Hoover High School students. Jackie even had a student sing with her! After the workshop, the student approached Jackie and said, "This has been the greatest day of my life."
How do you top that?
Thank you to everyone who made the 85th Anniversary Season a success! I look forward to seeing you this summer at our FREE Belin Quartet Summer Series concerts and in September when we open the 10/11 Season with Esperanza Spalding.
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