Performing in an ensemble is more than being able to coax your instrument into playing the notes written on the page.
A collaborative musician, whether performing solo or in the body of the ensemble, must be able to step forward and backwards in the musical tapestry. Soloists will primarily lead, but must still have the flexibility to respond to the conductor and ensemble behind them.
This “feel” of the ensemble is what we aim for TMC experiences to develop in our students. Musicians who have only played alone have a steep learning curve when they are expected further in their development to be able to play cohesively with a larger ensemble.
By the time a student’s music skills have grown to where they are expected to perform with ensembles, they must already have the flexibility to flow. They must demonstrate their unique interpretation of the music, but in a way that can be followed by the conductor and ensemble. They must know how to start and end a piece with flourish that helps the conductor know how to direct the ensemble. They must exhibit patience while waiting for the solo line to enter, and should realize the importance of each other instrument in play. They must be able to coherently interpret their musical vision in rehearsal. Plus, each solo musician must know how to get the courage to step onto that stage and perform the best they can even when all eyes are focused on them.
However, to get those experiences where students can learn that “feel” and practice that courage is typically won through competition. To play with a group, you must be the best at performing solo.
This makes sense only due to the capacity limits of most ensembles. However, this approach is extremely limiting for the development of the students in our community. All musicians deserve opportunities to bring their musical ideas to life with the magic a full ensemble can bring. These musicians deserve to learn these lessons before not knowing them becomes a limiting factor to their growth as a musician and performer. It is only when playing with a full ensemble that the art of performance can be learned.
We are looking forward to seeing each of the students in TMC’s upcoming Concerto Festival take another step towards becoming conscientious, expressive soloists.