Income

1
Gratitude is Gain
2
4 Free Blog Resources for Artists
3
Écouter Ensemble — Merge Left (Nikola Ragusa & Amelie Broder, flutes — Natalie Spehar, cello)
4
We are business owners!!!!
5
Not just Pachelbel: Wedding Ceremony Music
6
Arts for Social Change, Boston University Panel, vlog #11
7
You’re More Qualified Than You Think!
8
47 Strings- Programming for 4-year olds
9
Jade Recaps Putting on Her Own Darn concert!
10
Jade Simmons says, “Put On Your Own Darn Concert!”

Gratitude is Gain

Mar 13 2014
Browse archives for March 13, 2014
Nicole Camacho
Nicole Camacho

New York based Flutist, composer, and improviser, Nicole Camacho is creating a name for herself as an eclectic musician via vibrant premieres of composers’ works, performing in the world of popular music, involving an element of multi-media in her solo performances, and composing new flute works with a language all her own. She is a member of the folk band KK Group led by Norwegian Singer/ Songwriter, Kjersti Kveli and a founding member of Cochlea Freedom Ensemble a free improvisation group. As a result of her deep love for community, Nicole directs a community concert production organization by the name of Music Unboxed and writes a blog dedicated to featuring what's new in the flute community called Future of Flute. :0)

All posts from Nicole Camacho
Posted in

Spread the love

Écouter Ensemble — Merge Left (Nikola Ragusa & Amelie Broder, flutes — Natalie Spehar, cello)

Nov 11 2013
Browse archives for November 11, 2013
Natalie Spehar
Natalie Spehar

"Yet another wonderful example of the tremendous versatility of the cello in the right hands, which Natalie Spehar’s clearly are." - Susan Scheid, Prufrock's Dilemma 

An accomplished classical, rock, and folk cellist, Natalie has performed as a member of several ensembles, including most recently the Great Noise Ensemble, Écouter, the Low End String Quartet and the Washington, D.C. based cello rock ensemble, Primitivity. With a strong interest in contemporary music, Natalie has enjoyed mastering and premiering new and experimental works for cello, including several recent projects with live electronics and tape. 

Natalie has performed as a soloist with Graham Reynolds in The Kennedy Center’s presentation of The Difference Engine, with the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and University of Maryland Percussion Ensembles, and with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and has presented world premiere performances in venues including Ravinia, Severance Hall, and the National Gallery of Art. She has also been awarded several scholarships, among them a USA Projects grant, the Canton MacDowell Club Scholarship and the Howard Hanson Scholarship toward her studies at the Eastman School of Music. In the summer of 2009, Natalie was one of five American performers selected to participate in Northeastern University’s Fusion Arts Exchange, a program and concert tour funded by the U.S. Department of State that featured young musicians from six countries, and in 2011-12 she participated in the inaugural New Music on the Point contemporary music festival as well as the inaugural Fresh Inc. Festival led by Chicago’s esteemed Fifth House Ensemble. An enthusiastic presenter of new music, Natalie has premiered new cello works by composers Tomek Regulski, Finola Merivale, Orie Sato, Keane Southard, Andrew Watts, famed Syrian recording artist Malek Jandali, and her 2011-12 season featured her in premieres of works by renowned composers Zoe Keating, Sarah Lipstate, Cornelius Dufallo and Hannah Lash. Natalie also recorded an original soundtrack for the television documentary Through the Eye of the Needle, as well as composed and recorded the solo cello original soundtrack for the award-winning animated film Test Anxiety.
 
Natalie holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance as well as a Certificate in Arts Leadership from Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Alan Harris. An avid supporter of music outreach, Natalie has recently served as an Arts & Learning Intern for Young Audiences, Inc., an educator with Music For Life, and a performing member of the MacDowell Music Club, all national organizations dedicated to encouraging and providing community music education. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and looks forward to the upcoming season, in which she will present several solo cello premieres in the Washington, D.C., Ohio, and New York City areas, as well as record her solo debut CD.

All posts from Natalie Spehar
Posted in

Spread the love

We are business owners!!!!

While I have come a long way in terms of my financial knowledge in the past few years, I wanted to make sure to convey my sincere reaction during the process of getting from point A to point B; getting from “i am a musician and that’s it” to “i am a musician and therefore i am, of course, a business owner”.  While I realize this sentiment of confusion may not be helpful to a fellow musician, I hope “teachers” and others who are in “leadership roles” find it helpful in progressing forward with an ever evolving music curriculum.  In response to such confusion it is usually a traditional thought to “create a class” dedicated to this one topic.  However, much like practice, I think it should be “LIVED” and oozing through the aura and purpose of an establishment dedicated to helping shape the minds of future artistic leaders.  Some simple ways to create an atmosphere that lends itself to this kind of thinking is:

1) a poster that says “YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER”

2)  Creating a blog where your teachers post strictly business resources like legalzoom.com and discuss things like “why should you declare a DBA?” or better yet “what is a DBA?”

3)  get students involved in the social media process of advertising the school/ department.  perhaps they do not yet have their own projects, but HEY! they are part of your school!  and love being there also!  in fact THEY ARE THE SCHOOL.  why not have them involved in how to help support it via poster design, tag line, name of a concert, actively marketing to invite the neighboring businesses and families to come to shows?

There you go!  3 ways of probably many many more ways to get the conversation going and LIVE the process of working toward entrepreneurship.

Polyphonic.org is doing a great job at bridging the gap and “starting the conversation”!

Nov 06 2013
Browse archives for November 06, 2013
Nicole Camacho
Nicole Camacho

New York based Flutist, composer, and improviser, Nicole Camacho is creating a name for herself as an eclectic musician via vibrant premieres of composers’ works, performing in the world of popular music, involving an element of multi-media in her solo performances, and composing new flute works with a language all her own. She is a member of the folk band KK Group led by Norwegian Singer/ Songwriter, Kjersti Kveli and a founding member of Cochlea Freedom Ensemble a free improvisation group. As a result of her deep love for community, Nicole directs a community concert production organization by the name of Music Unboxed and writes a blog dedicated to featuring what's new in the flute community called Future of Flute. :0)

All posts from Nicole Camacho
Posted in

Spread the love

Not just Pachelbel: Wedding Ceremony Music

Spring is the start of wedding season, which creates lots of gigs for harpists and other classical musicians. In this vlog, Meghan discusses some traditional music selections, as well as shares some of her pop music arrangements.

 

Mar 27 2013
Browse archives for March 27, 2013
Meghan Caulkett

Meghan Caulkett is a graduate student at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where she studies with Houston Symphony Principal, Paula Page. Meghan has performed as principal harpist with numerous orchestras, in solo recitals, chamber recitals, and for people such as legendary film composer John Williams, Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor James Levine, and His Royal Highness Prince Charles. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree Summa Cum Laude from Boston University while studying with the principal harpist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ann Hobson Pilot.
Originally from Tahoe City, California, she now freelances all over the greater Houston area and southeastern United States, while maintaining an active teaching studio of harp and piano students. Since November 2011, she has been the acting principal harpist of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and has recently been accepted to the Houston Symphony Substitute Musician list. This is in addition to performances with the Shepherd School of Music Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and Symphony of Southeast Texas. Meghan was also a Da Camera of Houston Young Artist from 2011- 2012.
Recently, she founded “47 Strings”- an innovative and educational outreach program designed to bring harp recitals to 47 different charitable organizations and free community concerts within the next year. These performances include educational outreach programs for schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, shelters for abused women and children, as well as community concerts open to the public.

All posts from Meghan Caulkett
Posted in

Spread the love

Arts for Social Change, Boston University Panel, vlog #11

Meghan talks about her experience and the questions that were asked at Boston University’s “Arts for Social Change” event. 47 Strings was one of the six organizations founded by former alumni that was discussed. The panel was open to current students in visual arts, theater, and music.

 

Feb 27 2013
Browse archives for February 27, 2013
Meghan Caulkett

Meghan Caulkett is a graduate student at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where she studies with Houston Symphony Principal, Paula Page. Meghan has performed as principal harpist with numerous orchestras, in solo recitals, chamber recitals, and for people such as legendary film composer John Williams, Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor James Levine, and His Royal Highness Prince Charles. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree Summa Cum Laude from Boston University while studying with the principal harpist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ann Hobson Pilot.
Originally from Tahoe City, California, she now freelances all over the greater Houston area and southeastern United States, while maintaining an active teaching studio of harp and piano students. Since November 2011, she has been the acting principal harpist of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and has recently been accepted to the Houston Symphony Substitute Musician list. This is in addition to performances with the Shepherd School of Music Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and Symphony of Southeast Texas. Meghan was also a Da Camera of Houston Young Artist from 2011- 2012.
Recently, she founded “47 Strings”- an innovative and educational outreach program designed to bring harp recitals to 47 different charitable organizations and free community concerts within the next year. These performances include educational outreach programs for schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, shelters for abused women and children, as well as community concerts open to the public.

All posts from Meghan Caulkett
Posted in

Spread the love

You’re More Qualified Than You Think!

Feb 18 2013
Browse archives for February 18, 2013
Jade Simmons

Jade is committed to expanding the boundaries of Classical music and its presentation. From 2006-2010 she served as the inaugural New Music/New Places Fellow for the prestigious Concert Artist Guild organization. She offers a diverse mix of repertoire from the Classics to the cutting edge. Audiences have come to expect creative projects backed by riveting performances like her program Kandinsky and Scriabin: Hearing Color, Seeing Sound which focuses on links between visual art and music, as well as The Rhythm Project, an exploration of pieces that exploit the more percussive nature of the piano. Ms. Simmons, a Yamaha Artist, has toured the US extensively, highlighted by concerts on Ravinia’s Rising Stars series, the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, the University of Washington World Series in Seattle, Merkin Hall and the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 2012, she will return to Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall and will release Playing with Fire, an EP on her newly launched record label Superwoman Records.

Jade’s multiple talents make her a true Renaissance woman of the millennium taking her in the direction of arts presenter, writer, lecturer and creator of Emerge Already!, career-building platform for emerging artists including videos, blogs and books. Most recently, she has been invited to write for the Huffington Post’s Arts section and she has served as the webcast host for both the Van Cliburn and the Tchaikovsky International music competitions. An artist with a social conscience that moves her to action, Jade serves as an advocate for America’s youth, presenting arts outreach and addressing groups across the country on sensitive issues such as youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Jade has been recognized two years in a row by Symphony Magazine for her work on and away from the stage. In light of these achievements, she was listed as one of Ebony magazine’s Top 30 Leaders under 30 and was proclaimed Houston’s Best Arts Ambassador by the Houston Press.

All posts from Jade Simmons
Posted in

Spread the love

47 Strings- Programming for 4-year olds

 

47 Strings was recently awarded the Richter Fund for Musical Outreach from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. This grant will fund six performances at Houston Homeless Shelters this Spring. See how Meghan programs a concert for homeless preschoolers, as well as rehearsal time with bassist David Connor.

Jan 29 2013
Browse archives for January 29, 2013
Meghan Caulkett

Meghan Caulkett is a graduate student at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where she studies with Houston Symphony Principal, Paula Page. Meghan has performed as principal harpist with numerous orchestras, in solo recitals, chamber recitals, and for people such as legendary film composer John Williams, Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor James Levine, and His Royal Highness Prince Charles. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree Summa Cum Laude from Boston University while studying with the principal harpist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ann Hobson Pilot.
Originally from Tahoe City, California, she now freelances all over the greater Houston area and southeastern United States, while maintaining an active teaching studio of harp and piano students. Since November 2011, she has been the acting principal harpist of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and has recently been accepted to the Houston Symphony Substitute Musician list. This is in addition to performances with the Shepherd School of Music Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and Symphony of Southeast Texas. Meghan was also a Da Camera of Houston Young Artist from 2011- 2012.
Recently, she founded “47 Strings”- an innovative and educational outreach program designed to bring harp recitals to 47 different charitable organizations and free community concerts within the next year. These performances include educational outreach programs for schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, shelters for abused women and children, as well as community concerts open to the public.

All posts from Meghan Caulkett
Posted in

Spread the love

Jade Recaps Putting on Her Own Darn concert!

 

Dec 14 2012
Browse archives for December 14, 2012
Jade Simmons

Jade is committed to expanding the boundaries of Classical music and its presentation. From 2006-2010 she served as the inaugural New Music/New Places Fellow for the prestigious Concert Artist Guild organization. She offers a diverse mix of repertoire from the Classics to the cutting edge. Audiences have come to expect creative projects backed by riveting performances like her program Kandinsky and Scriabin: Hearing Color, Seeing Sound which focuses on links between visual art and music, as well as The Rhythm Project, an exploration of pieces that exploit the more percussive nature of the piano. Ms. Simmons, a Yamaha Artist, has toured the US extensively, highlighted by concerts on Ravinia’s Rising Stars series, the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, the University of Washington World Series in Seattle, Merkin Hall and the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 2012, she will return to Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall and will release Playing with Fire, an EP on her newly launched record label Superwoman Records.

Jade’s multiple talents make her a true Renaissance woman of the millennium taking her in the direction of arts presenter, writer, lecturer and creator of Emerge Already!, career-building platform for emerging artists including videos, blogs and books. Most recently, she has been invited to write for the Huffington Post’s Arts section and she has served as the webcast host for both the Van Cliburn and the Tchaikovsky International music competitions. An artist with a social conscience that moves her to action, Jade serves as an advocate for America’s youth, presenting arts outreach and addressing groups across the country on sensitive issues such as youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Jade has been recognized two years in a row by Symphony Magazine for her work on and away from the stage. In light of these achievements, she was listed as one of Ebony magazine’s Top 30 Leaders under 30 and was proclaimed Houston’s Best Arts Ambassador by the Houston Press.

All posts from Jade Simmons
Posted in

Spread the love

Jade Simmons says, “Put On Your Own Darn Concert!”

 

Oct 31 2012
Browse archives for October 31, 2012
Jade Simmons

Jade is committed to expanding the boundaries of Classical music and its presentation. From 2006-2010 she served as the inaugural New Music/New Places Fellow for the prestigious Concert Artist Guild organization. She offers a diverse mix of repertoire from the Classics to the cutting edge. Audiences have come to expect creative projects backed by riveting performances like her program Kandinsky and Scriabin: Hearing Color, Seeing Sound which focuses on links between visual art and music, as well as The Rhythm Project, an exploration of pieces that exploit the more percussive nature of the piano. Ms. Simmons, a Yamaha Artist, has toured the US extensively, highlighted by concerts on Ravinia’s Rising Stars series, the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, the University of Washington World Series in Seattle, Merkin Hall and the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 2012, she will return to Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall and will release Playing with Fire, an EP on her newly launched record label Superwoman Records.

Jade’s multiple talents make her a true Renaissance woman of the millennium taking her in the direction of arts presenter, writer, lecturer and creator of Emerge Already!, career-building platform for emerging artists including videos, blogs and books. Most recently, she has been invited to write for the Huffington Post’s Arts section and she has served as the webcast host for both the Van Cliburn and the Tchaikovsky International music competitions. An artist with a social conscience that moves her to action, Jade serves as an advocate for America’s youth, presenting arts outreach and addressing groups across the country on sensitive issues such as youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Jade has been recognized two years in a row by Symphony Magazine for her work on and away from the stage. In light of these achievements, she was listed as one of Ebony magazine’s Top 30 Leaders under 30 and was proclaimed Houston’s Best Arts Ambassador by the Houston Press.

All posts from Jade Simmons
Posted in

Spread the love