"Clarinetisimo II"

Today, another "Clarinetísimo" festival came to an end...

It's been a week full of partnership, music, learning, useful workshops and exhibitions, interesting conversation amongst colleagues, sharing tricks and tips, laughing, eating, getting to know one another, practicing, training, dealing with reeds and squeeks!

What's not to love about being connected in such a special way to a diverse group of people?!

I am extremely happy :D A bit exhausted, but super satisfied with this year's outcome! Can't wait for "Clarinetísimo 2011" ;)

"Music for Haiti"

It is terrifying what has happened in Haiti. It reminds me of how little control we have over our own lives. Natural disasters are bigger than us; bigger than anything we are and know.

I can't take the images out of my head...I can't stop thinking about what I should be doing. Everybody is DOING something. I feel so selfish sometimes. But I tend to freeze in the middle of tension.

I am so broke...how can I help?! I know there have been ways I just let pass :S

For now...I gave what I know...and what I surely have...MUSIC.

Fragment: PALETTE

I just realized that I haven't blogged about a colorful, meaningful new fragment of my life: PALETTE!!

Three girlfriends from the orchestra and I have brought our talents and our instruments together to create a peculiar combination of sounds, colors, looks, personalities and repertoire in this all-girl quartet! It is certainly in the beginning stages, so there's still a LOT to be done. But here's a recording we made to audition for a gig, which we got *wink, wink* and so far, have gotten very nice feedback :D

You're welcome to leave yours!

"Luis Fonsi @DR"

Last night, I was a bit...hmmm...on the down side : p

And as I got home and poured myself a glass of wine, Anys calls me: "I have 2 VIP tickets to go to Luis Fonsi's concert tonight, and I have no one to go with. Would you like to come? You have 30 minutes to get ready!"

WHAT?!

Ok, so I tremendously dislike big crowds, the reason why I hadn't even thought of going to the lovely Fonsi concert. But, come on! I could not turn down a last minute offer like this one!

So, I went, and loved every second of it. I wasn't even jumping or screaming, like all the other girls were. I was mesmerized; just standing still, gazing at his little body, which was there, so REAL! Artists can become something so mystical, you know?

Anyways, I've loved his songs and his sweet voice for years; so I was totally HAPPY for being there last night.

He sings beautifully! Although his stage presence is not very powerful, his voice is impeccable, and he's flirty and cute, and all that good stuff girls like in a boy artist; so it's all good ;)

Loved last night! Thanks for thinking of ME, Anys!

"CAYENA@Casa de Teatro"

Last night was such a wonderful, soulful evening! First the Kalma concert: DIVINE! Then off to Casa de Teatro where I got to see my friends doing their thing: JAZZ & BLUES mixed in with contagious, tropical beats!


It made me so happy to be surrounded by people that appreciate GOOD music. Casa de Teatro is a hub of culture! It's one of my favorite places in this city; although, I don't go as often as I should. Interesting events are always taking place at Casa de Teatro, supporting and exposing local artists.

Last night, Cayena displayed its power of performance, its musical quality, its diversity, its astonishing charisma and, (BONUS!) its unexpected sense of humor! There were many great things going on on that stage: interesting colors added by the lively percussion player; phenomenal improv's by the trumpet and trombone players; the drummer's impeccable discharge of rhythms; outstanding compositions by the guitar and bass players; and overall, so much SOUL! When can I get more of this, pleaseeee?!

It was a pleasure to witness such upscale musicianship. Check 'em out if you reside in Dominican Republic!

"KALMING notes..."

I lived a truly magical experience today :) These are the little things that have been happening in DR that have kept me happy, satisfied, and wanting to stay for longer!

A couple of days ago, before starting yoga class, the director of the centre introduced us to a new student. Everytime she introduces me, she HAS to mention the fact that I'm a musician and that I play with the symphony. She sounds so proud that it makes me blush all the time! Reminds me of my dad ;) Anyways, that day in particular, she probably noticed herself how excited she sounded introducing me, and went on to say: "Hey! I have an idea; bring your clarinet one day and play for us. Let's make it something special; we'll decorate and invite students from the other classes. Mother's day is approaching! Maybe we can offer a little concert as a gift to the mothers at the centre!" She went on and on with ideas, and got ME all excited! "LET'S DO IT!", I said.

Before I knew it, the day of the mini concert came (today!) and I hadn't even decided what I'd play. About an hour before the time I had to be at the centre, I picked out a couple of excerpts from clarinet concert and solo pieces, mixed them all together, wrote down a list of order, and got dressed to go! The whole vibe I'd pictured was a hippie, chilled environment, and that's exactly how I dressed. I got to use these funky pants I bought in Spain, topped with my abosulte favorite: a wifebeater ;)

When I arrived at the centre, they were so excited to receive me. My yoga instructor approached me and told me to close my eyes for the surprise. With my eyes closed, he took my hand and led me to the outside terrace where we take our classes. When I opened my eyes, I saw exactly what I wanted to have seen! It was MAGICAL! He did a great job setting up a mini stage with the right kind of mood for what we wanted to share this night.

(right: I got pretty flowers! awww)

I talked to the audience, introducing each piece of music, some experiences, and just had lots of fun playing for them. The terrace was only lid with candles. I told the audience to sit back and relax listening to an instrument not too common to just sit and listen to around here. "Enjoy the KALMING notes that I will be playing for you tonight", I said. I sat down and played for about 45 minutes.

When I finished playing, they applauded with so much excitement. I could see the eyes lid with emotion and appreciation. It is truly FULFILLING to touch people in this way...

(right: me and my yoga instructor on his fab stage set up!)

I then offered them an extra little gift dedicated to all mothers, and sang a beautiful song I'd learned at CRESCENDO (my other job). Here's the song: "Señora, Señora". I was a little suffocated from having just played (it was so hot!), so I sound a little shaky and out of tune, jeje but the words are beautiful! Sorry for the non-spanish speakers :-/

"Clarinetisimo"

Off the plane from Spain, and I was back to my LIFE! Performing, helping out my teacher with a clarinet music festival he was organizing, hanging out with my girls Lau and Alaimette, and back to the wonderful little routines of my life.

CLARINETISIMO was a success! 5 days full of clarinet masterclasses, concerts, exhibitions, talks, and collaborating with other colleagues, held at the National Conservatory of Music here in DR. as a I think my profe's standards for the festival were met, so he is very happy; hence, so am I ;)

I was so happy to see that more students are picking up the clarinet and are motivated to keep playing, learning and growing as musicians. Our instrument is not very popular around here; I've been actually a bit worried about the future of the clarinet in this country. But the experience of this festival made me feel a bit more optimistic. I hope for these young clarinetists to keep on studying and to become a generation of important clarinet growth in the DR.

I've heard, although not very much believed, that I am one of the few professional clarinetists in the history of this country! Doesn't that sound kind of like a big deal?! But then again, anything in a small place can EASILY be a big deal. However, now, I not only believe it, But I've come to learn that it is totally certain. In a way, I feel a little honor of having made a bit of history in my country ;) but in another way, I feel a bit dumb for not being more serious about my career in the last couple of years. I know I could be so much better, and could have done SO much more with my talent and the opportunities that have been presented to me.

I don't regret anything in my life; but I am fully aware of how some decisions in my past could have taken me to higher places. My profe says is not to late...hmmmm.

Then again, it all sums up in the same old question! Where is it that I want to go with my life...and the answer is...................................................................... ;)

"Festival de Música de Santo Domingo"

Every two years, Santo Domingo gets the chance to have a huge, international symphony orchestra.

People come from all over the world and share the stage with us for 2 weeks of superb concerts. Friendships are made, colleagues share insights and advice; lots of things are experienced and learned.

An event very well worth the efforts of FUNDACION SINFONIA whose staff is responsible of putting it together.

It's the first time I am in the country for this, so I've been VERY excited! I was going to perform at the first concert, but due to bigger events in my life :( I wasn't able to.

However, I have spent the last couple of days being part of the audience for the first time in the 2 years that I've been working with the orchestra. I have loved dressing up and coming to the theatre every night to listen to great classical music!

I've had MY share of fun, too, Lau Lau! : p

'Til 2011!!!!

Fragments: MADERS n' FIDDLER

Today is my maders' birthday...this is a picture daddy sent of how mami looks at age 55, TODAY! Look at her pose and her smile...she's so LOVELY ;)

I've always thought, and each day confirm even more, how maders and I are the same person 30 years apart.

Like her, I am super emotional, affectionate, touchy, don't get jokes right away, go straight to the sale section at each and every store, give so many details when telling a story, among other things. However, I am not a social butterfly like her and I did not get her culinary skills :S I HAD to get some things from daddy! ;) Hold on, but daddy is a great cook :S Hmmmm...

On another note, I haven't told you guys that this week I am playing at a musical. We are doing FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and I am so excited to be a part of this project! I LOVE the music; I love the matter in question, TRADITION; I am loving the under-the-stage experience; and I'm excited to connect with my colleagues in a different setting. I have met wonderful people, and even got hurt by one of them already (my toe has been injured!) JAJAJA!

"Vicky NENY Barcelona"

I just saw a film recommended by my lil' brother, and have ABSOLUTELY loved it (he always gives wonderful recommendations)!

"VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA"

Four fabulous reasons:

-Scarlett is one my favorite actresses of all times...and plus, she's so HOT! I hate her, in a good way ;)

-Barcelona is the set of the story...who knows me, KNOWS how much I want to go to this place!

-Hot spanish actors...so great to see them act...and basically, to just SEE them :)

-I'm such a CRISTINA!!! Felt so connected to some of her thoughts...SOME, I've specified, SOME ;) There's one scene where the narrator says something about Cristina that screams out NENY all over the place! It's so cool when someone or something speaks the language of your soul :)

And the narrator says: "It was only Cristina, as the last days of summer expired, who began to experience an old familiar stirring; a growing restlessness that she dreaded but recognized only too well. Suddenly, thoughts started taking precedence over feelings; thoughts and questions about life and love, and as much as she tried to resist these ideas, she could not get them from her mind..."

The following scene is just amazing! When Cristina comes out and expresses what she has thought about, Penelope Cruz bawls out, and makes an OSCAR winning performance :) Check it out!



In the end, I couldn't help but smile again, as the girls prepare to leave Barcelona and the narrator says: "Cristina continued searching, certain only of what she didn't want..." :)

Ohh!! And I loved the BARCELONA song used all throughout the movie, and the spanish guitar playing scenes! I have the same reaction as Vicky everytime I have the chance to experience guitar playing :) *SIGH* I love the guitar!!! This video I found on youtube.com of two guys in Barcelona playing flamenco!

Fragment: POWER of MUSIC

Yesterday morning, as the violins played away Weber's Der Freischütz overture during orchestra rehearsal, my mind drifted to other times. Times that I haven't lived myself. Times that reflected in my mind in black and white. Times of sorrow, of war and pain. I was playing too, but I couldn't help but envision a small apartment hiding 2 jewish families during the German occupation of the Netherlands in WWII. I envisioned a diary, and the insightful words of a 13 year old girl. I caught myself reminiscing.....about the DIARY of ANNE FRANK.

These are the kind of things that music has the power to do. Music can take you places without you having to leave your seat.

The following clip was filmed, July 22, 1941, on the Merwedeplein in Amsterdam, where the Frank family lived between 1934 and 1942, before they went into hiding. That's the REAL Anne Frank looking out the window of her house.

P.S. Watch the movie, it's pretty amazing! Especially if you're going through a whining period in your life. This story will make you stop whining and be a bit more grateful, even of the not so great things that are happening around you. So touching... Here's the trailer:

"If you were a melody..."

Have I mentioned how much I adore "THE HOLIDAY" movie with Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law? Ok, I'm fully aware of how so not intellectual I will probably sound with the following statement, but......"The Holiday" is hands down the movie that I have watched THE MOST in my life...over and over and over...I can recite the whole script and still enjoy it as if it were the first time! The dialogues are impressively smart and witty, funny and oh, so entertaining (in a mature, adult kind of way). Oh! And the soundtrack is stunningly beautiful, stirring my emotions from the opening scene 'til the end.

This scene (among lots of others) is one of my favorites ;) Jack is playing the piano (he's soooo sweet in this movie!), making up a melody for a friend's event. When Kate (Iris) comes in the room, she sits next to him and he says, "I also wrote one that sounds like you.......Iris, if you were a melody.....(plays the melody in piano).......I used only the good notes"....AWWWWWWWWWW! Isn't it an amazing line?!?!

A friend just called and asked me to be part of something very special......He will be giving his girl THE ring on Sunday night, and has asked me to play the clarinet for them at some point during the dinner!!!!!!! Isn't that cool? I felt so honored that he wants me to be part of such a climactic event!

So thinking about what to play, this scene from "The Holiday" came to mind...wouldn't it be nice if I come out and say, "L***, if you were a melody, you would sound like this..." and then, play something beautiful?! Then, her man would come out, go down on one knee...and you know the rest...kiss, kiss, kiss and tears of joy! YEY! Now..........what melody can I play? So the thinking begins...gotta get creative ;) Isn't that always exciting?!

NOTE: So this is them the day of (photo below)! I ended up playing a fragment of Albinoni's Adagio. I walked towards them, playing this stunning melody, and it was a magical moment...she cried...and guess what?! Afterwards she asked, "was that Albinoni's Adagio? It's like one of my favorite pieces in the world!!"

How perfect! UFFFF ;)

Fragment: MUSIC STUFF

Last night, I worked for literally 5 minutes...haven't I said that I love my job before?! Don't get me wrong, it's not because I don't want to work. I actually prefer playing more than waiting, I get less tired. I love my job because my weeks are so full of little surprises!

One day we don't have a place to rehearse; another day we have but there's no electricity or the A/C isn't working, so rehearsal gets cancelled. One day Manzano conducts, another day Molina, a random day Dante conducts, and invited conductors come and go! One day the program is full of intense, complex music; other days (like yesterday) I only have one overture to play. One day we perform in Sto. Dgo. (the capital); another we're taking a bus to some other town to perform and ride back home in the middle of the night. We have a concert this week; next week I have no clue of what's going on or what we'll be doing, who I will see, what I will hear, what I will learn, or what I will already know........? (Above left: Joseph Haydn portrait, 1770)

Each day with OSN (the orchestra) is a surprise...it makes me feel sooooo ALIVE! Well, in some occasions I feel sad, because there are some really unfortunate circumstances, but that's a whole other subject.

OK. So last night, we had a concert at Bellas Artes, which is a cute little theatre that has been remodeled and has become our new HOME. When I see the stage from the audience it gives me the feeling of a cute little circus. Love it! I'm happy we are there, although some people are complaining about acoustic matters, I don't feel the SO terrible problem, but what do I know!

As I said before, I just played on the first piece, Mozart's Overture from the "Marriage of Figaro". Therefore, I had the chance to sit in the audience for the remainder of the program! I made myself enjoy it as if I'd gone out to hear a classical concert that night. I made myself believe I was just an expectator; that I was there because I chose to, because I'm a cultured young lady that goes to hear the symphony ever so often ;) Well, I believed myself, and enjoyed it very much! Even more when Haydn's "Farewell" Symphony was performed. I'd forgotten a detail about this work that I'd learned in Music History class in college (WOW, I learned something!). But I'd forgotten and was so shocked when 2 cellists just stood up and left in the middle of the last movement! I was like HUH? for 3 seconds, and immediately remembered the detail I'd learned in Brookshire's class! Read the following excerpt from WIKIPEDIA...Culture 101:

Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, known as the "Farewell" Symphony (in German: Abschieds-Symphonie), was composed by Joseph Haydn in 1772.

It was written for Haydn's patron, Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, while he, Haydn and the court orchestra were at the Prince's summer palace in Eszterhaza. The stay there had been longer than expected, and most of the musicians had been forced to leave their wives back at home in Eisenstadt, so in the last movement of the symphony, Haydn subtly hinted to his patron that perhaps he might like to allow the musicians to return home: during the final adagio each musician stops playing, snuffs out the candle on his music stand, and leaves in turn, so that at the end, there are just two muted violins left (played by Haydn himself and the concertmaster, Alois Luigi Tomasini). Esterházy seems to have understood the message: the court returned to Eisenstadt the day following the performance.[1]

Haydn was such a rebel!!! What an amazing thing to do in 1772?!?!?! Haydn just gained much more of my respect and admiration ;) How creative is that?! It's not even about music composition stuff, it's about ingenious ways to make and own your art, and send realistic messages using it as a powerful tool! WOW, I am in love with this now!! Haydn, you ROCK!

"Una Noche de Clarinete"

I haven't written in a couple of days...please forgive my silence...but I'd been busy (something that seldomly happens). I've achieved one of my short term goals for the year, and it gives me such a satisfying feeling!

Alden, a friend from Cuba who's an amazing clarinetist, came to Dom. Rep. by an invitation that I made work through a whole lot of errands! He gave a wonderful recital, "UNA NOCHE DE CLARINETE", where we performed together and, as it always happens, I had a blast on stage! He gave a delightful masterclass at the National Conservatory, from which I unexpectedly learned so much! I mean, I organized the event, but I didn't expect to actually learn things from it! Lastly, we performed the Mendelssohn Concerto for 2 clarinets and piano at a mini concert held at the Conservatory, sharing stage with musicians from NY that were also visiting and performing.

Everything went smoothly, I can not complain, although I have ;) But nothing went too wrong, and all the little goals were met...so I am ECSTATIC!

After 11 days of music, clarinet conversations, rehearsals, performances, and lots of driving and eating out, I took Alden to the airport yesterday...and after a bit of nostalgia, suddenly my life came back to me...I went to my french class last night, today I will resume my work at CRESCENDO, and I can now sit and write in my blog again, among other things...I'd kind of missed it ;)

Fragment: PRACTICE!

So after 2 years of not practicing or even playing at all my black tubed friend (the clarinet), I was very set back :S and not only in my technique, but worse of all, in my developed ability to focus and concentrate while practicing my music and my instrument...it was like I'd enter another REALM and could not even hear my roommate if she called!

But I've lost that! It's been so hard for me to get into that shape again this past year...but just last week, I made it my goal, to practice everyday again, and slowly begin to enter that realm...



People say I have a lot of soul, and I do feel something rather special when I perform...but, as my music theory teacher Fertitta said one day in class "technique without talent (soul) is boring...but talent (soul) without technique is a catastrophe..."

Fragment: MUSIC, CLARINET, OSN

I am a musician.

Uuuuuuuuyyyyy, it has taken me a while to believe so, totally ignoring the fact that I have been playing the clarinet since I was 10 years old (14 yrs now!). I studied music all through my school years (6th to 12th grade). I went to college and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Music Performance.

Yet, none of this has ever convinced me...but why?

I think it might have something to do with the fact that I know I have a lot of soul, but I despise the fact that I don't have an ABSOLUTE PITCHED ear. "When you have absolute pitch, literally a fraction of a second after a note is played, you know exactly where you are on the scale" I've always felt less of a musician because I don't have this gift :S I've trained my ear, and have been able to pass my music courses with very good grades, but nothing ever close to this absolute recognition. Some of my musician friends tell me they go crazy when they hear a symphony, because they can hear all notes. They hear all the names of the sounds being produced! WOW...now I'm not so sure that is great after all :p

Anyways, everyone that knows me knows about my love/hate relationship with the clarinet. I LOVE music! But I don't necessarily love playing this instrument.

People often ask me why I chose the clarinet. Well, I was 10 years old, and was given a list with all sorts of instruments to choose from. I opted to go for one that I had no clue about. I wanted to do lots of exploring! And there, so early in my life, I can pinpoint this pattern of mine, of always wanting to take the "road less travelled"...so cliché, I know, but I love this truth!

I graduated college, and felt free to put away the clarinet and explore other things. Two years of total uncertainty, of failed NORMAL job searching, and an unpaid internship later, I came to the Dominican Republic for my cousin's wedding, and one of those other clichéd quotes became a reality for me: I was "in the right place, at the right time". The 2nd clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra in DR was retiring and I was invited to audition for the position.
I AM OFFICIALLY THE CLARINETIST OF A PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA...

*sigh*

Once again, "the world turns, and it turns a lot!" for me, as Pushy once told me.