Bad Apple, Video Clip #2:   CLICK HERE I have a huge interest in exploring ways to update and improve the live concert experience for classical music audiences.  I have done several multimedia installations at live orchestra concerts, and each time I've gotten very positive feedback.   Its not that I think every classical music concert should have video and laser light displays, but I do think there is alot more that we can do. So when I was asked to create a multimedia installation …

VIDEO LINK:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqptfPP5flo I remember the day I saw Disney's "Fantasia" for the first time. I was convinced that some day I wanted to do something like it with a live orchestra. Well, I might just get my chance in March, 2012. I was recently asked to create a multimedia compenent for a live performance of Prokofiev's "March from The Love for Three Oranges." This has been an intense project since I've never animated anything and had to learn the …

11-13-11 Denver Post Opinion Piece written by Heather Miller and Bruce Clinton.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14232594

A really energizing and exciting video about a Pakistani orchestra that found success after creatively re-inventing jazz standards - and its concept of the orchestra itself.    3'50"

My thesis in this post: It is possible to re-imagine the role creativity and indvividuality play within orchestras. Lots of people these days have lots of different ideas about what is wrong with the symphony orchestra - an audience that is drifting away, a system too entrenched in old traditions, ineffective music directors, mismanagement by the administration - just to name a few. But there are a few points on which we all seem to agree:  There is absolutely nothing on earth quite like a good live …

Its been a while since I've added anything to this blog.  I spent the first half of July rehearsing the Minnesota premiere of the musical "Curtains."  The show is up and running now - come check it out!!! ( details here ) In my last post ( here ) I shared a writing assignment from a Julliard student who says she has at least four different playing personalities depending on who her audience is.  Here is a brief excerpt: A lot of us, especially those of us who are still in school, …

I've mentioned Greg Sandow before.  He's a music critic and professor at Julliard where he teaches a class on the future of classical music.  He's also a blogger ( read his blog here ). Recently he included on his blog an excerpt from a writing assignment by one of his Julliard students.  It is an important and telling viewpoint.  Here is the excerpt ( and the link to Greg's entire post ) A lot of us, especially those of us who are still in school, place too much importance on playing …

At the national conference of the League of American Orchestras a week ago I attended the opening plenary session titled "Creating an Environment for Innovation." In my last post ( here ) I talked about a presentation by Larry Wendling, head of research at the 3M Corporation. Later in the same session Deborah Borda, president and CEO of the LA Phil, spoke about innovation at her ensemble (full text provided below).  For me the takeaway from her comments is that innovation is by its very …

A week ago the League of American Orchestras held its national convention here in Minneapolis.  I was not able to attend the whole conference, but I did get to some of the plenary sessions.  Here are a few thoughts. First, comments on the opening session titled "Creating an Environment for Innovation."  ( Video link here )  The cool part of this session was hearing Larry Wendling (head of research for the 3M Corporation) talk about the concept of innovation. (His remarks …