Maestro Ethan
Ethan on stage conducting a 40 piece orchestra in front of 350 people. Jared fully attentive sitting up in his seat, somewhat tense, complaining he’s bored. Matthew asleep in the chair cushioned by our many rain jackets.
We went to a free concert for children by the Peninsula Symphony at the nearby College of San Mateo last week. We had to call ahead for the free tickets. Grandma Penny and Grandpa Jim came down from Berkeley to go with us.
It was a great program for the kids. Short pieces were introduced by the conductor. They started with Eine Klein Nacht Music, which is just a small group of strings, but then the entire orchestra came out. 40 pieces maybe?
For the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique the conductor, talented and friendly Jessica Bejarano, first described the piece’s story – the composer is walking to the gallows, then he sees his true love for just a few sweet bars of music, then we hear the guillotine fall and head hit the floor and bounce (eegads!), and then the crowd cheers! The orchestra played these moments separately first, then played the entire piece through.
Then the conductor asked for a volunteer conductor from the audience. Who’s the first person to volunteer for anything? Ethan, of course. And she picks him! He jumps up and goes bounding down the steps of the theater. Does he walk to the stairs to get up on to the stage? No, he leaps on to the stage. The conductor, who had been giving instructions to the orchestra,, turns to look forhim and is surprised when he’s already at her feet ready to go!
She gives him a quick posture check – arms up! They start midway through the piece. Ethan conducts with his entire body, bending his legs to the music, his arms waving, feeling the beat and intensity, loving every second!
We find out afterwards that the guest conductor was only supposed to go 16 bars, but everyone was haivng so much fun that she let him go through to the end!
A neighboring audience member offered to email me pics. What a good samaritan! He got some great ones! I especially love to see how happy the musicians are. They seem to enjoy it as much as Ethan! I think I enjoyed it the most though.
And Matthew slept through the whole thing.
Bow, Maestro!
Many thanks to the Peninsula Symphony for this wonderful childrens’ event!
I work for the Peninsula Symphony, and we are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Family Concert! And how wonderful that we had such an enthusiastic guest conductor!
We were also wondering if you might give us permission to quote parts of our account in grant applications we write to help fund our non-profit symphony.
If that sounds okay, please let me know. You can email me at kat@peninsulasymphony.org – and please feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Kat!
Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity for my children to “Become Conductors.” Our whole family really enjoyed your recent family concert at CSM, even beyond the thrilling experience of my eldest son, Ethan, actually conducting the orchestra!
Maestra Bejarano did a fantastic job throughout the program highlighting different aspects of the musical experience. From types of instruments to dramatic moments, she brought up so many musical concepts that enhanced the way we listened to the music.
The musicians were more than professional after the event where they shared stories and information and their precious instruments – they were warm, friendly and encouraging. They showed true pleasure in sharing music with children, which was probably my 2nd favorite part of the show.
My very favorite part was, of course, to watch my son conduct the orchestra: a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You are more than welcome to use any quote from that blog entry or from this letter! I describe one son sleeping – he sleeps everywhere. I describe another son as saying he’s bored; he always says he’s bored when he’s feeling a little overwhelmed. He was absolutel engaged and learning, and absoutely enjoyed it.
With gratitude,
Katie Lipka
Dear Maestro Ethan,
I hope you are doing wonderful! I’ve been thinking about you and how great you did at the 2009 Family Concert with Peninsula Symphony. Congratulations once again.
We have another Family Concert coming up on Sunday, February 20, 2011.
Hope to see you there!
All the best to you Ethan.
Jessica Bejarano
Assistant Conductor, Peninsula Symphony