http://blog.davidhthomas.net Thoughts from an Orchestral Clarinetist, Solo Clarinetist, Clarinet Teacher, Clarinet blogger Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:06:07 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en To sum up the Columbus Symphony Orchestra 2008-2009 Winter season, the following is a chronological review of our guest conductors (who were also music director candidates), along with my personal opinions of them. DAVID LOCKINGTON, music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony since 1999, and the Modesto Symphony in CA since ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/06/cso-conductors-08-09-season/ So I don't appear out of touch. Here's a great tribute to Mr. Drucker, retiring from the NY Phil. after 60 years service. To me, Drucker IS the Corigliano Clarinet Concerto! (written for him) If you haven't heard his version, get it. I first heard him perform it in ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/06/stanley-drucker/ A few months ago I stumbled on an lecture/article from the International Clarinet Society archives which I shared briefly, but did not write about. It's worth reviewing and quoting here because it outlines the map to becoming a great player. In today's über-competitive music world, students must consider the mountain they ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/06/five-traits-of-great-players/ I've been thinking about previous teachers recently. I was practicing some excerpts when I turned to a xerox of Till Eulenspiegel and saw the signature of Alan Balter at the top. I took a few lessons with Alan during the 80's while I still lived in Washington, DC. Though I ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/06/alan-balter/ When a capable leader takes charge, he/she doesn't simply command, but instead leads with experience and integrity. That's what George Manahan did tonight with the Columbus Symphony. Neither ego nor excessive choreography were needed for him to impress or convince. He directed tonight's concert with thoughtful leadership and detailed rendering ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/05/taking-charge/ George Manahan conducts the Columbus Symphony Orchestra tonight and tomorrow, May 29 and 30, in an all Beethoven program which includes the infamous 5th symphony and the lyrical 3rd piano concerto with Orli Shaham as soloist. Working with George Manahan this week has been a pleasure for me. I have enjoyed ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/05/george-manahan/ This update covers the Columbus Symphony events of the past few weeks, along with a preview of an exciting upcoming concert with conductor George Manahan. Over the past few weeks we played several short educational concerts in various Columbus elementary schools. Yesterday we played at West Broad Elementary. At ... http://blog.davidhthomas.net/2009/05/reviews-and-a-preview/