Inside the Music Business strives to offer sessions that bring classical music to older students, in a manner that allows young adults to address more complex topics about music as an art form and a profession.  The programs will present students with insight regarding careers in music, and provide ideas about how to create their own career paths in music should they so desire.  In addition, these classes will help students develop resumes and audition techniques, so they will understand what is necessary to pursue music at the college/conservatory level.

Inside the Music Business recognizes that some band/orchestra/chorus programs are in a more developmental stage, and may be looking for a different experience.  For those schools, there is a more broad-based musical program available.  This program focuses more on hearing music performed by top musicians, and discussing basic ensemble and individual playing techniques.  The concept here is to inspire young musicians in developing music programs.

These classes will be presented by full-time performing musicians in the Colorado Symphony.  These musicians will share their experiences and expertise during these sessions. 

For the 2004-05 academic year, many Inside the Music Business programs will be fully funded by a Federal Grant to the Up Close and Musical Program.  If you would Inside the Music Business to visit your secondary school music program, contact Michael Thornton, Inside the Music Business leader.

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• Program 1-  From High School Band to Professional Symphony:  Paths of the Performing Musicians

This forty minute session will begin with a performance of the Irving Fine Partita for Wind Quintet.  At the conclusion of the recital, the mentors will discuss the skills necessary to perform at the professional level.  This discussion will include the art of practicing (practice log, recording practice, etude work, and general practice discipline), and will also cover the basics of finding a suitable teacher, good equipment, and a music program that meets the needs of the young musician.

 Next, the mentors will describe the various paths that led them to a professional career in music.  This will include discussing colleges/conservatories and various degree programs in music, resume building, essay writing for college admission, and the college audition process. 

 Students who are able to stay beyond the forty minute session are encouraged to bring a resume of their experiences to date, and/or a college essay about their music experiences to review in a one-on-one situation with the mentors.

Mentors: Julie Thornton, fl.       (Faculty, Colorado State University) Peter Cooper, ob.     (Faculty,  University of Colorado) Bil Jackson, cl.           (Faculty, University of Northern Colorado) Chad Cognata, bssn.  (Faculty, Denver University) Michael Thornton, hn. (Faculty, University of Colorado)

Each mentor has been chosen based on his/her unique educational experience, and expertise as a teacher.  These musicians have listened to many college auditions, and each teaches many aspiring young players.

• Program 2-  The Art of Practice
  

This forty minute session will start with a performance of the Hindemith Wind Quintet.  The group will then discuss what it takes to rehearse and learn a peice of important wind literature.  This discussion will first focus on learning the individual parts to the work.  Each member of the ensemble will explain salient practice techniques, including how to effectively work with a metronome and tuner, keeping a practice log, and what to listen for when recording oneself.

Next, this session will address the basics ensemble rehearsal and practice.  Attention will be given to how to rehearse and work amicably in both chamber music and sectionals, learning how and why to read the score, and what to listen for in great recordings.

 Mentors
Julie Thornton          (Piccolo, Colorado Symphony Orchestra)
Peter Cooper          (Principal Oboe, Colorado Symphony Orchestra)
Bil Jackson              (Principal Clarinet, Colorado Symphony Orchestra)
Chad Cognata          (Principal Bassoon, Colorado Symphony Orchestra)
Michael Thornton      (Principal Horn, Colorado Symphony Orchestra)

Each member has been chosen based on his/her experience performing orchestral and chamber music at the highest levels.

• Program 3-  Optimal Performance

This forty minute session will begin with a performance of two movements from the Brahm’s Horn Trio.  At the conclusion of the performance, the musicians will discuss the skills needed to perform at the highest levels on a consistent basis.  This discussion will be directly related to the preceding performance, and may involve returning to certain passages to make relevant points. 

Next, the session will turn to the art of practicing.  All great performance is the result of great preparation.  Keeping a practice log, planning ahead for the upcoming performance, exercises and etudes, and practice techniques will be discussed at this time.

The psychology of performing is the next salient topic.  Sports psychology has become a major component of performing music over the last ten years.  A discussion of the various techniques employed by greats in both sports and music will ensue.  This will include physical fitness, Yoga, Alexander Technique, and positive visualization exercises.  Students will be given a detailed annotated bibliography of readings on the psychology of performance.

The session will conclude with a question and answer session.  If time allows, there could be a brief performance by a student or student ensemble, with coaching from the mentors.

Paul Primus, vln.                       (experience with yoga/Alexander technique)
Michael Thornton, hn.               (Soloist with Colorado Symphony and various Front Range regional orchestras)   
Andrew Cooperstock, pno.      (University of Colorado piano faculty)

Each mentor has been chosen based on his/her experience performing and employing the various performance techniques that will be discussed. 

*** Programs can be developed to meet the indivitual needs of each school.  Contact IMB leader Michael Thornton to create a  unique session for your school.

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"Wonderful!!!  Thanks for taking the time to come and speak with us."-Michelyn Daugherty, Director of Choral Music, Kennedy High School.

"I found it interesting that the presenters stressed the concepts of commitment and teamwork as being essential to successful ensemble playing.  I have been trying to emphasize the same ideas with my students, so it was good for them to hear the same thing from professional musicians."-Brian Eichenberger, Director of Instrumental and Choral Music, Denver West High School.

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