Coro Manos Blancas

While in Venezuela, I got to spend the majority of my time with the Special Education program in Barquisimeto.  I have been inspired so much over the years by the Manos Blancas Choir and am excited about bringing back these ideas to the United States.  Stay tuned as more unfolds but for now I just wanted to give you a glimpse.  Please enjoy this video that unfolds more of the philosophy and commitment behind this truly amazing program!!

Changing Seats; Perspective and Humility

Changing Seats; Perspective and Humility

             “Student ticket for one please,” I asked.

 “Well you are in luck, we just received a complimentary ticket that you may have for free!” said the ticket saleswoman.  Shocked I said thank you and quickly made my way to the hall.  Every usher I passed kept pointing ahead until I realized I was in the very last row of the balcony, also known as the nosebleed section.  I have to admit working for a symphony I got spoiled with grand tier seats every performance.   In fact, the last time I recall being in the nosebleed section was for a Dave Matthews concert- quite a different atmosphere.

            As the lights dimmed, I ended my private conversation and got in “concert mode”- you know, not talking and sitting still.  However, I noticed I seemed to be the only one on autopilot.  Amongst me the chatter persisted with anticipation and excitement.  The music began yet the hushed conversations continued…for the whole concert!  At times, there were even children and young adults (!) conducting or playing drums along with the orchestra.  I was stunned.   Surrounding me were ticket goers who didn’t subscribe to the symphony and yet they were engaged.  For myself, I had a much more enjoyable experience being surrounded by people who were excited to be at the symphony simply because of the music.  I didn’t feel stifled by the typical museum culture of a classical concert and instead became enlivened.  As I drove home and reflected upon my experience, I began to ask myself how?  I confess that I used to be bothered by clapping and talking between movements or before the conductor dropped his hands, so how had my perspective changed? How was this experience so different?

            Simple-Venezuela.  My time there surrounded by humble musicians only broadened my perception of a musical performance.  Clapping is encouragement, joy, and pride so why wouldn’t we clap after a thrilling movement?  Musical experiences are different for everyone, so let’s encourage the difference not only in the orchestra but also in the audience.  If we want to break this third wall then we have to be willing to see what’s on the other side.  We have to be humble because with humility comes the chance to see and experience something new. 

            While in Venezuela, my perspective of what a musical experience should be changed.  For the first time, I saw musicians of all different ages and abilities see each other as friends and support one another through the act of music making.  My experience sitting in the balcony parallels this same notion of support.  Although it may be atypical of correct symphony etiquette the excitement is not to be ignored.  We can all learn from one another and everyone has something great to offer.  If we want to engage a wider musical audience then we have to humble and listen.  After all, life itself is just a lesson in humility.