violinist & educator

Recently I’ve read a short, but good, article on the life and duty of a professional musician.  They are both well-written and succinct, but gives the public a better understanding of what we do.  For those of you who are curious, please read — you will know better where I’m coming from and why I teach the way I do.  No matter if you’re a serious musician or you’re just getting your feet wet, we are all learners and we should embrace that journey of exploration of ourselves because we’re never too old to learn and improve.

Making Music: The work of a Syracuse Symphony Orchestra musician isn’t as effortless as it sometimes seems

This past week was full of entertaining activities.  Randy’s good friend and bassist Alex Tarbert is finally saying goodbye to Boston and starting a new life chapter in Germany.  I’m so excited for him!  A bunch of friends gathered at Wally’s, a venue famous for Latin jazz sounds, to celebrate and bid farewell to Alex.

On another note, the Luna Duo, I mean, TRIO made its debut at the Bradford School of Music Faculty concert.  I’m never big on performing alone on stage, so I thought it would be nice to have a chamber group perform—so why not perform as the Luna Trio, which is basically Leewen, Randy and myself?  It was a great chance for us to play together and also expand our repertoire with Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz written for violin, viola (or cello), and double bass.  The more I play this piece, the more I enjoy the subtleties of harmonic textures and the meditative lyrical melodies that soar above the blanket of open strings.  Here we are making our grand opening gesture:

I also debuted as an 80′s rock band violinist playing “Peg” by Steely Dan.  My band was made up of other Bradford faculty members.  Man, this song is constantly stuck in my head…… Anyways, looking forward to the next hang with my music buddies next time.  Bon voyage, Alex!