The SUNY Fredonia School of Music announces its annual String Experience for high school string players on Saturday, March 2. Offering master classes, performance and practice technique workshops, orchestral reading session, fiddling workshop, faculty concert and reception, participants will work in small groups with Fredonia's conservatory-trained artist faculty in a fun, supportive learning environment. Registration is required; register by Feb. 14 to guarantee space in this workshop. This event is free for parents and teachers.
The String Experience is a seminar for high school violinists, violists, cellists and bassists that brings participants in contact with Fredonia's conservatory-trained string faculty, and exemplifies the unique one-on-one relationship that is fostered between students and teachers at Fredonia. Young musicians will be given the chance to improve performance and practice techniques, interact with other string players, and attend a recital with SUNY Fredonia's distinguished faculty artists. String players will work in small sessions, developing performance skills, working on issues of stage fright and the audition process, improving technical skills such as shifting, intonation, tone production, and more. The atmosphere is designed to be a fun, supportive learning environment for students, but teachers and parents are also encouraged to attend.
Each year follows a similar format, with different topics providing returning students new and exciting information. This year's highlights include morning master classes, an orchestral reading session led by orchestra director Dr. David Rudge, which will include college students reading side by side with String Experience participants. Rudge conducts high school All State orchestras all over the country and brings the perspective of being a string player himself who is familiar with authentic performance practices for older music. Web links to the music will be sent to all applicants so they can familiarize themselves with their parts. This feature will enable all participants to have a high level playing opportunity, even if they do not perform for the masterclasses. There will also be workshops in fiddling, improvisation, cello ensembles and jazz bass playing available earlier in the afternoon.
Article Photos
Submitted Photo
Fredonia cello professor Dr. Natasha Farny works with past String Experience participants in a master class setting.
The Gala Faculty Concert will feature Fredonia's distinguished faculty members performing chamber works culminating in a performance of Bach's Third Brandenburg Concerto, including some of the finest School of Music string students.
Registration is $25 and includes lunch on campus. A late fee is added for any registrations received after Feb. 14.
Visit the String Experience website for workshop details and registration, www.fredonia.edu/music/community/string.asp, or call the School of Music at 673-3151.
