Monthly Archives: August 2009

Yes, Sam, vacation indeed

Posted on
Aug 10 2009
 by Sarah

Sam beat me to it. Summer hiatus for both of us for the next two weeks, but September (and the new season) will be here before ya’ know it!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Summer Vacation

Posted on
Aug 10 2009
 by Sam Bergman

It’s getting to be that sleepy time of summer, when everyone’s either on vacation or dying to be, and as we did last year in mid-August, Sarah and I are going to take a bit of a break, too. I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

DIY Music

Posted on
Aug 7 2009
 by Sam Bergman

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the culture of music and musicians, and how distinct the line seems to have become over the decades between those who play an instrument and those who don’t. Time was that everyone and … Continue reading →

Posted in audience participation, concert culture | 10 Comments

Action, reaction

Posted on
Aug 5 2009
 by Sarah

Last month I posted my response to Lawrence Johnsons “review” of the video screens at Ravinia. Now, reaction from the audience, and it is -surprise, surprise – positive. Whaddiditellya?

Posted in concert culture, music and technology | Comments Off

Don’t Worry. Be Happy.

Posted on
Aug 4 2009
 by Sam Bergman

Every few years, someone does a study of orchestra musicians, and comes up with the staggering result that many of us are deeply unhappy. Or if not actually unhappy, at least deeply dissatisfied with our work life. These studies are … Continue reading →

Posted in inside the orchestra, music and psychology | 3 Comments

Notes and neurons

Posted on
Aug 1 2009
 by Sarah

Early this year I posted about a Bobby McFerrin concert at Orchestra Hall – in the last few paragraphs, I was marveling at the fact that McFerrin got the audience to sing along on a pentatonic scale without a word … Continue reading →

Posted in music and psychology, music and science | 3 Comments