by Kristine Peters, Education Coordinator
Wharton Music Center
Wharton Music Center
This fall, a variety of ensembles will be formed at the New Jersey Youth Symphony based on skill level, instrumentation and friendship; students in grades 3-12 are welcome to join the New Jersey Youth Symphony Chamber Music Program. Ensembles meet on eight Sunday afternoons for an hour with a coach from NJYS's roster of the foremost orchestral and chamber musicians in the state. Chamber ensembles will perform in recital on December 14, and select members are invited to participate in the Advanced Chamber Music program.
We caught up with Chamber Music Coordinator, Diana Charos Reilly, to see what she has to say about it.
We caught up with Chamber Music Coordinator, Diana Charos Reilly, to see what she has to say about it.
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| Diana Charos Reilly, NJYS Program Coordinator and Conductor |
Why do you love Chamber Music?
I love chamber music for the opportunity it provides – with so many students in only private lessons and large ensembles – to remain independent while still working within the structure of a group. They develop an opportunity to converse musically on their instruments and have musical conversations. They have the opportunity to work with coaches similar to conductors, but then have to be self-sufficient in the concert.
Why is Chamber Music important?
Why is Chamber Music important?
Chamber music helps students develop a sense of independence on their instrument. So when they reach their larger ensemble, they have a stronger musical back bone. It is a continuum that prepares students to be ambassadors for the organization and mentors to younger musicians.
What non-musical skills are you building?
We are building a sense of responsibility. They are required arrive early to set up and warm up. They can’t miss rehearsals, they can’t be late for rehearsals – they are responsible to each other as a team.
We are building a sense of responsibility. They are required arrive early to set up and warm up. They can’t miss rehearsals, they can’t be late for rehearsals – they are responsible to each other as a team.
Tell me about your experiences in Chamber Music.
I started in NJYS at age 11, so all of my experiences with this organization are firmly planted in my memory. Chamber Music opened up a whole new world for me. As a flutist, I had to learn to conduct with my body to lead the ensemble. The individualized attention from the coaches was especially meaningful; they were demanding and challenged me to push my own boundaries. Additionally it was an intensely strong bonding experience with my peers—I’m still friends with members of my quintet.
I started in NJYS at age 11, so all of my experiences with this organization are firmly planted in my memory. Chamber Music opened up a whole new world for me. As a flutist, I had to learn to conduct with my body to lead the ensemble. The individualized attention from the coaches was especially meaningful; they were demanding and challenged me to push my own boundaries. Additionally it was an intensely strong bonding experience with my peers—I’m still friends with members of my quintet.
We at Wharton and NJYS have a strong responsibility to be in the community. Every concert we held last year brought an audience made up of three to ninety-three year olds. To me, that demonstrated the community’s powerful desire to see the arts alive. It’s constantly important to interact with our community, to hear their stories and bring music to them. We have the opportunity to help enrich our community with music and prove that the arts are still alive in NJ.
What kind of ways do the students surprise you?
How quickly they have the desire to achieve more than what’s asked. I’m talking about third and fourth graders asking to have “play” dates instead of watching movies because they want the extra rehearsal time. Older students in Youth Orchestra and Youth Symphony calling the building to request rehearsal space, not because someone told them to, but because they want to achieve their highest potential. These kids really get fired up!
How do you choose repertoire for this ensemble?
Once the groups are established and we know generally what the level is, the faculty choose repertoire based on the group they’ve been given. The first rehearsal is typically sight reading. From year to year we try to change genres to ensure exposure to various types of music. The kids are usually excited about what they’re given.
Once the groups are established and we know generally what the level is, the faculty choose repertoire based on the group they’ve been given. The first rehearsal is typically sight reading. From year to year we try to change genres to ensure exposure to various types of music. The kids are usually excited about what they’re given.
This year violinist Milan Milinkovic is assisting the NJYS program as Strings Coordinator. Milan’s words sum up the importance of Chamber Music:
The greatest impact chamber music has on a young player is an interactive exchange with the other group members. Awareness, responsiveness, flexibility, and listening are some of the things each player will learn from being part of a chamber group. Each chamber group player will develop a sense of responsibility to the group. I believe that this responsibility makes students excel with ease. Most of all - it is fun!!! Chamber music is the reason why I became a professional musician.
The greatest impact chamber music has on a young player is an interactive exchange with the other group members. Awareness, responsiveness, flexibility, and listening are some of the things each player will learn from being part of a chamber group. Each chamber group player will develop a sense of responsibility to the group. I believe that this responsibility makes students excel with ease. Most of all - it is fun!!! Chamber music is the reason why I became a professional musician.
