The Arts: Contributing to Denver's Economy

"Denver's arts and cultural community created $1.69 billion in total economic activity in 2007, up 19% from 2005."

- Colorado Business Committee for the Arts

A lot has happened since my last post, especially regarding the economy. It is important to remember that while many arts organizations are not-for-profit, they contribute greatly to economic as well as cultural vitality. This is especially important with regards to arts education. I recently learned of a local orchestra's cancellation of educational concerts due to budget shortfalls. Not only will this impact the economy now, but the future health of Colorado's arts and economy.

Please consider donating to local arts organizations, or patronizing them generously during the holidays. Season tickets make great gifts! Take a friend to a concert or recital, *especially* if they have never experienced anything like it before.

Surf on over to Tenly's Blog and click around for some wonderful organizations that contribute to the health and vitality of Colorado's culture AND economy.

Don't Forget...

... to check out Tenly's Blog for upcoming concerts, broadcasts, and more!

Excellent Advice

Thanks to Oboeinsight for this post!

Reed Making Videos by Bob Atherholt

The previews are free!

View them here!

It is back-to-school time, so this is my annual reminder that I teach oboe and English horn lessons in Denver (near the Broadway light rail station), Boulder (at Parlando School for the Arts), and Lafayette (at the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts) in the beautiful state of Colorado. Email tenly.williams@gmail.com for more information.

Extended Techniques

This has been a watershed summer for me in terms of expanding my technical skills. I have learned to circular breathe, flutter tongue, and even experienced a few seconds of singing while playing (although I wouldn't want to perform this in public just yet). I've always believed that one is never "done" learning music, and it is nice to have some new skills to add to the mix. Of course I will continue to hone these skills along with others and try to remember that even goals that have baffled me for years can be achieved! I highly recommend using the "easy button" for positive reinforcement!

I admit it.

The Tuning CD changed my life. Listening to the CD would probably drive most people completely mad, but playing with it has become an essential, almost meditative part of my practice routine. I highly recommend it, and highly recommend using it in such a way (with headphones or when no one else is around) that those you care about will not resort to sabotage to save their own sanity!

Sightreading genie!

I just found this great tool for sightreading skills! Oboists, pick an example that has only one melodic line, or just play the top note throughout, then listen to the musical example and pick out the part you just played!

Also check out the rhythm gym!

This football star plays the oboe...

So should you!

Chester Pitts Superbowl Ad WITH OBOE

If you watch the "Behind the Scenes" footage of the making of the ad, Chester clarifies that he had *plenty* of dreams and achievements when he was playing the oboe as an electrical engineering major in college. Chester, you are my new hero!

Lessons now offered at Parlando School for the Arts in Boulder!

I am pleased to join the faculty of the Parlando School for the Arts in Boulder! A welcome party will begin at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, December 17 in the Recital Hall located on the Southwest corner of the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. in Boulder. I will perform a few solos and there will be refreshments for all. Students will be able to meet me and sign up for lesson times beginning in January. Please come and join the celebration!

Performance Anxiety

A friend of mine from college wrote up this outline on performance anxiety. I think it offers some good advice.

Thanks, Trevor!

Lesson Locations Updated

Oboe lessons are available in Denver at the Broadway Music School and now also in Lafayette at the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts! You can schedule weekly lessons by contacting these Colorado community music schools directly.

Inspiration

Here are a couple of performances that make me want to get back in the practice room and try those excerpts a few more times:

Chris Bliss on YouTube
Anthony Gatto on YouTube

The first is inspiring because I love the artistry and timing of it. Simple. Beautiful.

The second is inspiring because it shows a legend educating, performing, having fun. Love it.

Freeware Metronomes

I just realized last week that freeware metronomes are available online! I still think it is good to have one that you can carry with you, but I downloaded this one in order to have access to the "tap feature" which I use to find out the tempo of a particular recording. I chose it because it was the first one I found that was Mac compatible. There are even more options for PC users.

No Comment...

Another gem from Garrison Keillor which needs no introduction:

Summer Music Camp

Be sure to click "Listen" instead of reading the script!

Opera on YouTube

I am excited that opera is top rated for the month on YouTube!

Paul sings Nessun Dorma

Online fingering charts for oboe

Lost your fingering chart? Got a tricky tremolo?

Click Here!

Use the "basic" fingerings whenever possible.

Another EXPERT oboe interview

Tune in to hear the latest oboe sensation, Liang Wang of the New York Philharmonic.

Oboist Liang Wang: His Reeds Come First

Tips from an EXPERT!

I just found this lovely site which allows you to listen to expert oboist Rebecca Henderson any time, day or night! My current favorite is "Melody."

Locations

Tenly teaches private lessons in Denver. Arrangements can be made for other areas of Colorado if three or more students in the area are interested in coordinating schedules for lessons. Alternatively, mileage may be added to the lesson fee for a single student unable to come to Denver for lessons.

Recommended Listening

WEST SIDE STORY (in its entirety) by Leonard Bernstein

CONCERTO FOR OBOE by W. A. Mozart
CONCERTO FOR OBOE by Richard Strauss

"...is but a dream"
Rebecca Henderson, oboe

Stern and Zuckerman: Double Violin Concertos
with Richard Killmer, oboe

The 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century