Aim to be a professional musician and great human
Hi everyone! My name is Joe. I’m a senior this year, and this is my fourth year as an NEC Chamber Singer. This group has been an important part of my career as a student at NEC. I auditioned as a freshman, nervous as all get-out! Little did I know upon my acceptance into this group I would be learning how to be a professional musician in today’s world AND “a great human,” as Ms. Washburn says to us on a daily basis.
Being a Chamber Singer has always been about more than just the music, and that is why the group is so incredibly important to me. Yes, each member receives the opportunity to learn great works by composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Charles Ives and simultaneously give life to new works by living composers such as Eric Whitacre, Anthony Maglione, and Felicia Sandler. And yes, participation in this ensemble also provides each member the opportunity to perform a cappella, with a pianist, a chamber group, or an orchestra as a soloist. Who could ask for more from an auditioned chamber ensemble, especially of the caliber that NEC offers?!
New England Conservatory Chamber Singers conducted by Erica Washburn perform “Sleep” by Eric Whitacre. Recorded live in Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory in Boston, MA on October 24, 2011.
Our repertoire for the 2013 Tour is an eclectic set of music, to say the least, and preparing it all is no easy task. I usually listen to all of the pieces before singing through them if possible so that I can have an idea of the overall mood of the piece (as well as correct notes, rhythms, and phrasing!). If a given piece is in a different language, I translate it. Once all of this is done and rehearsals begin, the music making process is immediately fun and engaging because we all have done the ground work necessary. But, I have to say, the rehearsals and performances are actually not what I’m anticipating most, although I am excited about them! I’m looking forward to the camaraderie; exploring new cities with great friends, and having experiences I’ll remember for the rest of my life. This will be an incredible experience.
That’s it for now! I hope to see you as an audience member on our tour!
Joe S.
