High School Musicians
I get encouraged every time I see young musicians who value the art of performance. And High School is a turning point for many of them as to whether they pursue further studies. Friday night I had a chance to see the Classical Guitar recital of the National High School Music Institute (NHSMI) held in Lutkin Hall at Northwestern, thanks to two friends who’s son attended NHSMI the this year.
There were seven students in this year’s class. The program included solos, small ensembles and the large ensemble including five NWU grad-student “practice partners” who nurtured the students during their two weeks of study. The program spanned the gamut of classical guitar from Frescobaldi to Roland Dyens with many Spaniards and some Leo Brouwer in between. Two pleasing exceptions to the Latin-influenced pieces were excerpts from the Bach Suite in G Major and the “Theme and Variations on Sakura” by Japanese composer Yuquijiro Yocoh.
The students, whether tentative or accomplished, were joyfully applauded by at least 100 of their peers from other sections of the NHSMI program. More NHSMI concerts and recitals are scheduled for the remainder of July. Check http://www.music.northwestern.edu/precollegecommunity/nhsmi/ and http://www.music.northwestern.edu/calendar/
–
Bruce
