On summer's end...

It was foggy as I left the Rocky Ridge master class - a sight rare in Colorado, especially in July! The students all played wonderfully and I think we had a great class.

Don't forget about the Mountain Music Duo's DEBUT CD RELEASE PARTY coming up on August 28! We previewed some of the tunes at Erie Community Library.



It is also back-to-school time, and time to sign up for private lessons if you haven't already!

You can leave a comment on this post for more information, or email me at tenly [dot] williams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Masterclass at Rocky Ridge

Rocky Ridge Music Center was the site of my first multi-week summer music camp. I had a blast! Now things have come full circle, and I will teach a masterclass there at 9:30 AM on July 29.

Also, be on the lookout for the Mountain Music Duo's new album, Summer Play, which will be available both digitally and materially before our CD release party on August 28! Visit tenly.blogspot.com for more information!

Michael Jackson

I haven't always been a fan of Michael Jackson. Like many great artists, he was a troubled man who experienced highs and lows the rest of us probably can't truly imagine. His artistic contributions challenged stereotypes, revolutionized music and dance, and paved a path for subsequent artists and activists. His messages are powerful, and I appreciate them more each time I encounter them.

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

This video reminded me of the final paragraph of Dr. Karl Paulnack's welcome address to students of the Boston Conservatory, which should be read in its entirety and is available here. He writes, "If there is a future of peace for humankind... I expect it will come from the artists..."

How do you know when to clap?

Another gem from oboeinsight answers the question with humor! Confusion about when to clap should never keep anyone from attending classical concerts; there will always be a clapper there who prides himself in being the first!

Too fun NOT to share!

A video featuring the oboe d'amore (literal translation: oboe of love), an instrument larger (and thus lower) than the oboe but smaller (and thus higher) than the English horn. Each instrument has its own totally unique timbre.



Thanks to Oboeinsight (see link on the right) for posting!

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The fabulous oboe studio of Christa Garvey (right) at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire after my recital there in March.

Summer oboe lessons in Denver!

Get a head start on next year's auditions and musical challenges by taking private oboe lessons over the summer! Study with a full-time, professional performer and educator who will put your priorities first. Lessons are available in Denver (Washington Park area) and also in Boulder and Lafayette, Colorado. All ages and abilities are welcome, but a commitment to practice between lessons is required. Lessons on English horn are also available, and all lessons may include help making oboe and English horn reeds upon request. Contact Tenly at 303-910-2718 or tenlyoboe@gmail.com to schedule!

Radio Broadcast

***BREAKING NEWS***

Tune in for an encore broadcast of the Mountain Music Duo performing Marcia Marchesi's "Ciranda" on KVOD 88.1 FM ***TONIGHT*** Friday, April 3 at approximately 8:40 PM (Mountain Time). You can even listen online!

Classes about reeds, excerpts, and entrepreneurship

In the next eight weeks I will present three different types of classes at three higher education institutions.

The first, on January 27 at the University of Northern Colorado, will be my entrepreneurship class including tips on freelancing and gigging. Learn how to maximize your career potential whether you win auditions or not.

In February, I will present a reed making class at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. I have presented this class twice before in Colorado and am excited to expand to a larger audience!

In March, the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire will be the host for my reed making class as well as a traditional master class for excerpts and standard repertoire.

Hopefully there will be more in other regions of the country in the future! For more details on these classes in addition to concert and recital information, please visit tenly.blogspot.com. For more information, email tenly [dot] williams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Music in Cyberspace

Live concerts on your computer... all the way from Berlin!

Also, YouTube presents the world's first collaborative online orchestra... brush up on those excerpts!

Public Radio

First, a link for the season, an interview with John Rutter about Christmas Carols.

Second, a Colorado Matters segment regarding arts in schools.

Hopefully the links will work!

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!