Thoughts on Performing

If you came to our superhero symphony concert last week, thank you. If not, you missed out on some concert fun and marvelously majestic music.

During the dress rehearsal and the performances several times I thought to myself, “You know, this is fun. I really enjoying doing this.” Last year, I wondered that if our conductor retired, would I still keep playing in the orchestra. We’ve had a guest conductor for our summer concert and last week’s concert and I’ve decided that the answer is definitely YES. I would still keep playing with the Utah Valley Symphony.

I enjoy playing my flute. I enjoy making music with others. I enjoy the thrill of sitting in the center of the orchestra, the best spot in my opinion. I enjoy the comradery with others. I enjoy performing.

At the beginning of each school year, I send out a list of performance dates to my flute students. The ones who have taken lessons for more than a year expect it. Those who just started lessons inevitably, shall I say, “Freak out”. We have masterclasses, also known as group flute classes, recitals, and festivals throughout the school year.

Scientific evidence supports that learning a musical instrument is great for your brain, but it is also great for your soul and helps build character.

Why do we perform?

To work towards a goal and accomplish it. To stretch yourself. To learn from it. To share with others. To make music and express the emotion, the passion, the energy and the beauty through it.

One of my college professors, Dr. Ted Wight, often said that whatever happened at the recital was not the most important thing. The most important thing was the progress I made since the last recital. I wholeheartedly agree.

A performance is the culmination of time and effort to create a work of art.

Don’t hide from performance opportunities but rather seek them out and embrace each chance to perform.

Music expresses what cannot be put into words and yet cannot remain silent.

Victor Hugo