Teaching the “Wire Choir”

I saw this video on the Cellomania blog and had to repost it. Hmm, I wonder what it sounds like?

I was perusing the web looking for some videos to show my students and I came across this mini-documentary of Pablo Casals. The first part is narrative and provides some background, but the greatest part follows. He is shown in a brief segment working with an adult student. Casals’ comments are quite interesting as is listening to the difference between his playing and that of his very accomplished student.

The most intriguing part of this video is Casals’ performance of the Bach Cello Suite #1 in G. He is at this time 77 years old and his performance is amazing. While the video and the audio are not in sync, the quality of both is very good. Casals is a study in posture and position, fluidity and musicality.

This is from Google video and there is a button so that you can download this on your computer in the format for your Ipod. Here is a link so that you can go directly to the page and download it, if you want. Enjoy!

Unfortunately and very obviously, I’ve been very negligent with my blog this fall. As is the case for music teachers (and teachers in general), things have been very busy. This fall, we have had Solo and Ensemble for orchestra students, All-County auditions for chorus and orchestra, All-State auditions for chorus and orchestra and preparing for our Winter Concert.  Next up is our annual state music conference (a chance to recharge), All-County rehearsals and performance, followed by Festival for both chorus and orchestra. Oh, and after Christmas vacation, we start our beginning groups.

I’m not in any way complaining about the schedule. After all, I signed up for this. When I can’t do everything I want to do, it helps to remember why that is so.  I am hoping that after a week of R&R for Christmas, I can write down a couple of thoughts for your consideration and input.

To all who labor hard in the field of teaching, whatever your subject area, I hope you take a few moments (better take at least a couple of days) to rest and recharge if at all possible. Your work may not be praised or even recognized by many right now, but in the years to come your students will remember your efforts and the impact you had on their lives.

Merry Christmas!