- sang in the New England Conservatory Gospel Choir,
- watched the Boston Symphony Orchestra perform Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 1, 2 and 5,
- danced in Peter and Mary Alice Amidon's New England Dance workshop, and
- soaked in the sounds of Wayne Shorter Jazz Quartet with the NEC Philharmonia. They played to a sold-out crowd in celebration of the 40th anniversary of NEC’s jazz studies program.
NEC Philharmonia warming up for Wayne Shorter Quartet
Only in a city like Boston would you find such an incredible variety of music, right? No, not exactly. Even in Juneau, a community with a population of only 30,711, you are often faced with making difficult choices: musical theatre or the symphony, salsa dancing or a play, opera or a Celtic rock band?
With all of these wonderful offerings, I’m reminded of the value-based question Ben Cameron asked us on Friday: How will my community be affected if it is deprived of music tomorrow? For Juneau, it would devastate a community who often relies on music and the arts to uplift, connect and sustain us. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the El Sistema USA initiative and what it will mean for children in Juneau, as well as communities all across the US.
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~ Confucius
Thank you, Mary Epstein and Carolyn Colby, for making sure that Rebecca and I could attend the Kodaly dance and singing games workshop presented by the Amidon’s. We will definitely share what we learned with the other fellows (top right photo)
Thank you, Mark Churchill and Sean Hagon, for connecting me with the NEC Gospel Choir (2nd & 3rd photos on right). Thank you Mark Leach, for the incredible gift you gave me in the form of a ticket to the Wayne Shorter Quintet and Orchestra concert. It was wonderful meeting you and your son.
Thank you, Juneau, for providing so many opportunities for me to play and perform (photo below)
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Waaahoooo!!!
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