Reflection
This project came to be for a number of reasons, one of which being the need for a performance opportunity for students at The Music Store Inc. Originally, around the beginning of this school year, I had planned on forming a small jazz combo group with myself on keyboards, along with a bassist, drummer, and perhaps a saxophone, trumpet, or other wind/brass instrument. The group was to practice once a week for 6-8 weeks, then perform at a number of area nursing homes, and perhaps one final community performance at the gazebo in the Village. I was greatly enthusiastic about this project, and looked forward to it being successful. It would be a great way to gain experience in playing with a small ensemble, which is an experience like no other. In such a small band, it is critical to listen to what the other musicians are doing, and ebb and flow with the "groove." If the group is able to stay within the "pocket" of time provided by the rhythm section, the ensemble sounds tight, well put-together, and professional. This small, close-knit ensemble was what I was seeking, in order to expose the community to such rich music.
Soon, reality of the school year set in, and I soon found that, while I had people in mind with whom to fill the parts in the ensemble, the task of coordinating a schedule for 6-7 different people to rehearse was more than I could handle. As it was, I was going to sleep past midnight most nights, thanks in part to the full course-load that I am taking, and the extracurricular activities which I participate in, such as Varsity and Amateur Radio Clubs and, in the fall, a Varsity sport. I had no spare time whatsoever. As the school year moved on, I found that I was making little progress in bringing this group together. In addition, it was discovered that Rick, who was originally going to be playing in the group, would be requiring hand surgery, rendering him incapable of performing. Finally, around February, Rick and I discussed the project and came to face the fact that I simply didn't have time for an undertaking of this scale. I was disappointed, but at the same time, knew that it would be nearly impossible for me to do what I had originally planned.
Forced to revamp the project, Rick suggested that we simplify it, and make it just a recital with myself performing, so I didn't have to worry about coordinating others. Eventually, in March, we added on the idea of other students from The Music Store performing in the recital as well, and began to put together the project in its final form.
I could not have been happier with the final results of the project, even if it was not exactly what I had originally planned. The main goals were still accomplished, which were to provide an enjoyable experience for the residents at the nursing home, as well as a fun, low-pressure performance opportunity for the musicians. For a few of the students, it was their first time performing in front of a real audience, and the recital was an excellent way to jump-start their performing career. Because of the geographic location of The Music Store, the students who performed were from both sides of Webster, as well as Wayne, bringing together people who wouldn't normally get a chance to interact in such a manner. The recital also brought together a number of different generations: the mostly young performers, their parents, the elderly nursing home residents, their family, and staff at the nursing home. The Maplewood Nursing home was an excellent venue for a performance of this nature, as the activities coordinator, Gary Sacco, was extremely accomodating, and welcomed the opportunity for the residents.
Senior citizen performer, Jerry Fedele, put it succinctly, saying that the recital was an opportunity to show that "people still appreciate good music." I could not agree with Jerry enough, judging from the responses from the residents. One moment of the whole experience that I remember distinctly is when I was approached by a resident who asked, very kindly, "Will the musicians be taking requests?" I was about to respond that all of the musicians had pre-rehearsed the music, and that it would be unlikely that they would be able to honor the request, but paused to ask Jerry Fedele. Consequently, Jerry sat down at the piano and played his rendition of "Edelweiss," from The Sound of Music, much to the delight of the inquisitive resident who began to sing along as he played. The glow of happiness on her face after hearing the first few notes of the melody was something that I will always remember.
I received, after the performance was over, an email from a parent of Ian White, who had been playing for only a few months. Ian had played an excellent rendition of Für Elise at the recital. Ian's mother wrote the following regarding the YouTube videos of the performance:
Hi, Max!
This is Susan Perry, Ian White's mother.
I just want to thank you so much for posting these videos.
Congratulations on your senior project. You should be very proud!!! I am proud of you, and I don't even know you ;)
We truly did enjoy the concert.
As a proud mama, I will be sharing Ian's video freely. It means so much to us that you invited him to participate.
Regards,
Susan
Although the project didn't turn out exactly how I had first envisioned it, I believe that it was a true success. I learned a number of things in composing my original piece, Max's Marmalade in F minor, Op. 60, as well as in a number of other aspects. The most rewarding part of this experience was at the end, knowing that I, along with the performers, had brightened the day of not only the residents at the nursing home, but everyone in attendance. The recital was an opportunity for the students to showcase their accomplishments to the world, and to feel proud about what they worked hard to achieve. I could not have asked for a better end result.