Is it real or is it Memorex?

Back before digital Memorex ran a commercial asking the audience, "Is it live or is it Memorex?"

I have found that when instrumentalists are warming up for a concert is a great time to make photos.  The look is the same for the most part, but you can get closer to the subject with the camera.

Some of the photos bellow are from the actual concert and others are from the time warming up, can you tell the difference?

Student stands up during his solo

I like showing a perspective to put the musicians in context

It is important to keep your eye on the conductor and look for his tempo

Conductors use all their bodies to communicate what they want from the musicians.  Here the conductor uses his face expressions in addition to his hands.

Not everything has to be about them playing.  The conductor letting the audience know something is just as important.

OK you can tell this wasn't during the performance, but I like it because it communicates that music is fun.

Get close and show the intensity of the musicians.

Use the background to help complement the foreground.

Next time you are at event, especially for your children, don't wait to take pictures when they start to perform.  Take photos of them warming up.  Be sure you don't wait till the end, because they all leave right away.

Want better photos then start early.

Students have access to superstars

Sergej Krylov and Arild Remmereit talk to the students from Elkins Point Middle School orchestra and band. Next to Sergej is his Stradivari "Scotland University" (1734) from the Sau-Wing Lam Collection, courtesy of "Fondazione A. Stradivari" in Cremona. (photo by: Stanley Leary)

Having kids give us a great excuse, if we need one, to take them places we want to go. Parents of kids get to enjoy children's movies that they may feel awkward going to alone. We get to go to places like Disney World.

Sometimes kids have advantages to give us access to adult subject matter.  This is what happened last Friday night with our daughter.

Seth Gamba is my daughter’s orchestra teacher who organized group ticket sale for the students and parents to see the Atlanta Symphony.  Friday night was special because of guest violin soloist Sergej Krylov and last minute bonus of guest conductor Arild Remmereit.
 

Students, parents and teachers from Elkins Middle School enjoy listening to the artists answer their questions. (photo by: Stanley Leary)

At first you might think the “discounted ticket” was what excited me, but really it was what happened after the concert.

Seth Gamba had asked if the soloist violinist and the conductor would talk to the students after the concert.  They graciously stayed after the event and the students sat on the first 2 rows of the symphony hall for question and answer time.

You could see the faces of the students paying close attention to these superstars.  The parents I think were just as excited and also asked questions.

Arild Remmereit talks about his journey from the time of the student's age to now. The students got to hear how his path was different than of Sergej Krylov's. Arild's mother made him take piano, which he wasn't fond of at that time and had to practice 5 minutes a day.  Sergej took from his parents and practiced for 6 hours a day as a young 5 year old. (photo by: Stanley Leary)

The lesson is simple—as a student you have access that is difficult later in life to get. Professionals are very excited about talking about their work and answering questions to students.

If you have children be sure you are aware of the opportunities that the community has for them that give them access to “superstars” and go with them.  If you don’t have children—volunteer to help youth programs and by doing so you will not just get an opportunity to tag along to meet superstars you are one for giving of your time.

I seized the opportunity to thank Seth Gamba by offering to photograph him with the conductor and violinist. Follow the lead of Seth Gamba and organize an outing for the students you know to get access to professionals and artists--you will be glad you did. (photo by: Stanley Leary)