Hi everyone!
It's been a while... and a lot has changed!
Firstly, this newsletter reaches circa 100 people, which is very cool. Thank you for subscribing; I will do my best to keep this focused in the hope it brings you some value.
In the last edition I talked about being a guest conductor. Now, that's the only kind of conductor I am - I stepped down from my lovely Two Rivers Band MD job in July of 2023, after 10 years.
This was a challenge. I loved my TRCB gig - selfishly, because it felt great and it seemed as if I could make a small difference to people's experience. I've spent a lot of time trying to distill the feeling of why I like directing so much.
I used to think it was some version of 'creative expression', which is what I used to think was good about being a pro performer, but it isn't. I like directing because I like creating conditions where people can succeed.
That's a carefully chosen sentence, and I have shamelessly paraphrased it from this magical documentary about the work of Sergiu Celibidache, with whom I was pretty obsessed in my late teens.
It's really wonderful, and I would encourage you to make space to watch the whole thing. I could wax lyrical about why he is great, and why this represents a kind of magical 'pro' musical space which I was continually looking for through the last decade or so, and which probably doesn't exist anymore - if it ever did. But the idea, or the ideal of it, is worth chasing.
In the documentary he says
"I do not believe that we do music, we create conditions that this beauty could materialise for ourselves"
And in a pretentious move on my part, I have butchered that sentiment.
I don't tell people what to do in rehearsals; I try to create conditions where the ensemble can succeed.
The reason I like this is you can apply it elsewhere.
I don't teach the trumpet, I try to create conditions where the person who reaches for new experience can learn things.
I don't deliver lectures, I try to create conditions where students take away the right things.
I think this works anywhere - I don't order coffee, I try to create conditions where me, and the barista, have a positive experience. It works on little interactions too. This is getting a bit abstract and silly... but you get the idea!
Anyway, new things!
Since the last edition, my working life is radically different - I am now a full-time lecturer at York Business School, which is wonderful. I can find challenge, I can do creative, meaningful things and the work-life balance is infinitely more sustainable. A triple win!
I'm still doing a handful of musical things. Last week I returned to Ilkley for the Wind Band Association's Big Blow event. Really fun to see everyone again, and great to work with other local colleagues and ensembles!
I do a tiny amount of teaching - just enough to feel meaningful. And Yorchestra continues to develop - it's our Easter course in April, and we have a big summer planned too.
I'm nearly finished (🙄) livemusictheory.com - you can sign up on that link if you're interested in testing out the free course...
More soon, and thanks for reading!
Mike
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