Boston Day 2

Wow - what a day!!! I can't even begin to communicate how special today was. But, I'll try by at least listing all the amazing events of today:

*6am - Well, it started out with Starbucks... phew! Waking up at 6am (3am PST) after little sleep, it was refreshing to get some good coffee in the lobby. We wished Kathy C. a happy 18th - how fun to have a birthday in Boston! Then it was off the ballroom (wish we could have had Waltz Night in there!) for a continental breakfast and a rehearsal.

*8:30am - bus left and we were off for our 4 hour city tour with Bette (when not being a Boston City tour guide, she's a pro ice skating instructor). First stop was the North End. The streets are cobblestone and too narrow for the bus, so, though it was quite nippy out, we all walked for the next hour or so. We saw Paul Revere's house - it was built in 1680 (5 years before Bach and Handel were born, BTW) and he moved into it 80 years later. The construction was amazing - stainglass replica windows and nails in the door. It's now a museum - we didn't go in, but took lots of pictures outside. Next we went to see the statute of Paul Revere near the Old North Church. Old North Church (where they lit the laterns - 2 because the 'enemy' came by sea) is amazing. Didn't know that the churches had boxes with high sides because each family would bring a foot heater (a metal box with a heated brick or stone in it) and would huddle for warmth in the winter. The church was beautiful - it's still a functioning church, though not the same denomination. Next we went to the 2nd oldest burial ground - Copp's Hill Burying Ground. It was fascinating - the oldest headstone is dated in the early 1600's. We learned the women in the early days died primarily of childbirth, and secondarily of being burned in a kitchen fire (the wore heavy clothing and worked inside the fire pit 3 times a day - when their clothes caught on fire it could often be fatal) (thank goodness for microwaves). Then we went by bus past the USS Constitution (we're going there on Sunday) and to the Bunker Hill Monument (that's actually on Bleeker Hill). Many of the kids and a few chaperones walked the 291 steps (20 stories) up and back down the monument. For more info about the places we went today, check out: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visitor/visitor.html. Then we drove through Cambridge to Harvard Square - we popped out and half of us went to the Harvard souvenir shop and the other half did a quicky tour of Harvard Yard.

*1pm - lunch at Quincy Market. Yum, yummy and yum-o. There was a ton of different local dishes to choose from - the kids mainly ate 'safe' food (I saw a couple of Phillie Cheese Steak sandwiches) and some of the adults (me included) really enjoyed the local fare (I had a Lobster Roll and a Clam Bake... heaven!) - here's the link to the selection of food vendors in the Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall (The "Cradle of Liberty" - on the second floor of Faneuil Hall there is still a public meeting place - it's where John Adams and many others spoke often): http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/dining3.html

*1:30pm - Then we went through town to Symphony Hall to hear the incredible BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra). Known to be one of the world's most famous halls housing one of the world's best orchestras, this was a treat for one and all. We heard the Brahms Double concerto (for violin and cello) played beautifully by two soloist (the violinist played on a Stradivari) who were so passionate, so musical, so inspirational. Then the 2nd half of the concert was the 1 hour and 15 minute long Bruckner 7th Symphony. The program notes were great and it was a wonderful concert! We took pictures down infront of the stage after the concert. You can watch the enhanced video podcast of the concert (I think) at this site:
http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp?id=bcat5220002 - you can even read the program notes and more.

*4:30pm - Off to BU (Boston University) Tsai Performing Arts Center - after a snack, we listened to about 25 minutes of the Boston University Symphony rehearsed by David Hoose. They were working on an amazing violin concerto - Mr. Hoose was incredible with the students. It was a real 'pro' rehearsal - amazing to see the concentration, professionalism, focus, and discipline of a high level rehearsal.

5:30pm - Clinic at BUSFA (Boston University School of Fine Arts - pronounced 'Ahhts') with David Hoose. After what had already been an amazing day, we were astounded to be yet again amazed - Mr. Hoose worked magic with our group. Within about 30 minutes he had us sounding so much more musical, mature, and connected. It was a real inspiration to feel the success of such a clinic. After the clinic we had a panel of music majors (students at BUSFA) talk to us Q&A style about being a music student.

8pm - Fire and Ice - wow and wow - this place, as our trip coordinator put it, is like "Mongolian Grill on steroids". It was a great dinner. Here's the website for where we went: http://www.fire-ice.com/locations/boston.html

9:30pm - quick stop at... yes... we finally did it... Dunkin Donuts. Had to. To celebrate Kathy's birthday. We enjoyed (?) the donuts in her honor and we're all now upstairs getting ready for tomorrow (Heritage Festival performances, Salem Witch Museum, Fenway and some shopping, then the grand award ceremony in the evening).

Oh, and did I mention that though it was cold (in the 40's) it was clear as day - beautiful and sunny. We're sleepy, but happy - tummies happy, souls happy, bodies tired, and inspired as a group. I'll blog more tomorrow...
:)
~Ms. S

Boston Blog Thursday night

Hi all,

The plane ride was ... yawn ... early but successful! At the Portland airport we ran into a band from Gresham off to Disneyland, a Salem volleyball team and we saw Courtney Klosterman (advanced orchestra violinist who graduated last year). Quick and easy, like a flash, we're in Boston. On the drive to the hotel we passed 37, count 'em, 37 Dunkin Donuts. There were tons of asian, italian, and seafood restaurants. They have Trader Joe's here (how civilized!!). In case you're in a competitive game of trivial pursuit, the Massachusetts license plate state motto is "The Spirit of America". They pronounce the name "Mark" like "Maak" and "Daryl" like "Daarul", and the word "airways" is pronounced "aaawaay". Guess they don't like "r" here. :)

Tonight we were thrilled and delighted to be entertained by the interior decor of the Hard Rock Cafe Boston. On the way to the Hard Rock we passed through the gorgeous Bunker Hill (?) bridge - a 3 year old suspension bridge - very modern. And, we went through a small portion of the "Big Dig Tunnel". The Hard Rock is down by the North Market, downtown. We ate surrounded by rock icons of legendary players and bands. After some heavy purchasing at the "Rock Shop" gift shop we wandered around the North Market/Faneuil Hall Market/Quincy Market (where we'll eat lunch tomorrow) - checkin' out the local foods and vendor carts with souvenirs.

We're pretty tired, but thrilled and delighted to be here in Boston. The hotel is crawling with musical groups from all around - we've met people from Indiana and NY so far. Late tonight the guitar ensemble (more guitars in one place that I've seen in a long time) folks came through the lobby.

Tomorrow morning it's a 7am (PST) call for breakfast and rehearsal. Tomorrow is the most chock-ful day - stay tuned for the next update.

Signin' off...
~Ms. S

Really neat concert tonight at Willamette

Hi all,

Great concert tonight (Wednesday March 18) at Willamette, if you're interested:

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903160318

:)

Spring Concert Program - March 17, 2009

In an effort to minimize copy costs, we're going 'green' on the program for this Spring Concert.

Titan Orchestra

Spring Concert

March 17, 2009

7pm West Auditorium

Directors, Daryl Silberman and Jeff Shippy

Donations to benefit the family of Lisa Harder

West Salem Combined Advanced Ensemble*

*This group leaves for the Boston Tour on Thursday morning - we perform at 10:15 on Saturday morning in Salem, MA.

Symphony No. 29, Allegro Moderato - W.A. Mozart, arr. LaJoie

Aase's Death - E. Grieg

Orange Jam - J. Bishop

Walker Advanced Orchestra

(Irish Medley)

Directed by Jeff Shippy

Titan Orchestra and Symphony Strings

Irish Washerwoman - Traditional

Orchestra

A Scottish Journey - M. Overholt

Symphony Strings

The Celtic Juggernaut - C. Seaborn

Advanced Orchestra**

Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, 1st movement - J.S. Bach

**We may possibly perform part or all of Schubert's Death and the Maiden 1st movement tonight - TBA

Monday March 16 - SCHEDULE CHANGE - and concert Tuesday

Hi all,

Ok, last week was rough - I was sick, my kids were sick (I know, "excuses, excuses") and I forgot to send an email out with the changes in the schedule for this week. Here it is:

Monday March 16
2:30 - 4:30 Advanced Symphony
4:30 - 5pm Boston run through

Tuesday March 17
NO ADVANCED SYMPHONY
Periods 6 and 7 - 5:30pm call (don't need to be dressed- you will have a break from 6 - 7 to get dressed and eat if you bring dinner)
Walker group - 6pm
Advanced Orchestra - 6:45pm - dressed and ready to go

Concert starts at 7pm. This is the *maybe* order (due to whether or not games are canceled due to rain):

Boston Group
Walker
Washerwoman
Scottish Journey (Period 6)
Celtic Juggernaut (Period 7)
*Bach Brandenburg (Adv. Orch)
*This might go second if softball and golf kids make it by 7:30

Thanks!
~Daryl S.

Newsletter #22

Newsletter for Thursday March 10, 2009

Contained within:

1) CONCERT TUESDAY - schedule
2) Fundraiser for Lisa Harder - contributions accepted at the concert Tuesday
3) Boston rehearsal schedule and news about credit that can be earned for the trip!!!
4) Congrats and good luck to...
5) Fun concert Sunday - 2pm or 4pm at Hudson Hall, Willamette

1) St. Patrick's Day Spring Concert this Tuesday at 7pm at West Auditorium!!! All performers are welcome to wear green accessories. We welcome Mr. Shippy and Walker's Advanced Orchestra (7th and 8th graders) to our concert.

Schedule for student 'call':

No Advanced Symphony Tuesday afternoon
Periods 6 and 7 - 5:30pm call (to run the Washerwoman)
Walker - 6pm onstage
Advanced Orchestra - 6:45pm call

Titan Catering will have special St. Patrick's Day cookies and juice available before and after the concert for sale - bring some cash for these yummy treats (proceeds to benefit Titan Catering).

2) Our hearts and minds go out to 8th grade Walker advanced violinist Lisa Harder - she has been diagnosed with cancer of the arm and lung and is receiving treatment at Doernbecher Hospital in Portland. At the concert Tuesday evening we will be accepting donations to help the Harder family out. If you can't donate anything financially, they are willingly accepting wishes and prayers - Lisa will find out on the 31st if she will be able to keep her arm. Lisa is a lovely young lady, good friend to many, and a fine young violinist - we all wish her the very best.

3) Boston folks - start checkin' the weather now... http://www.weather.com/ (enter "Boston, MA" and click on the 10 day forecast) - we leave in one week! Rehearsals are as follows:

Today (Thursday) 2:30 - 4:30
Monday 4:30 - 6:30
Then we go Thursday - we'll see you at the flag pole at 3:45am (3 little words... Don't Be Late)

Stay tuned for more infomation about how you can receive .5 of performing arts high school credit that will show up on your transcript, just for completing some online work and attending the Boston trip. Very exciting!

4) Congrats to bassists Taylor Baldwin and Katie Baker for performing at Solo and Ensemble Festival last weekend! Thanks for representing West so well!

Good luck to all our spring sports folks as the season gets underway - we have members on the following teams: Freshman Baseball, Varsity Girls Softball, Track, Girls and Boys Golf, and Lacrosse. We also have 2 members of the West Mock Trial team - good luck this weekend as you go to State!

5) There is a fun, FREE concert this weekend - Salem Chamber Orchestra's Family Concert - http://www.salemchamberorchestra.org/ - is at Willamette's Hudson Hall at 2pm and again at 4pm. Bassist Mark Perlman (who has coached our advanced orchestra and our bass sectional) is the conductor. You will hear Poulenc's adaption of the children's classic Babar, the winners of the Willamette concerto competition, an overture to Cinderella, and more. It's a 1 hour concert with lots of entertainment... hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend! See you on Tuesday at the concert...
~Ms. S
silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Newsletter #21

Newsletter for March 4, 2009

Contained within:

1) Congrats to...
2) Boston rehearsal and meeting TOMORROW
3) Schedule for next week
4) Reminder - concert at West on March 17 - wear some green
5) Boot camp for next year is the week of August 24 (2 weeks before school starts)

1) Congrats to Lauren, Skyler, Paul, Aida, and Jacqueline for an amazing performance at All City Orchestra this past weekend! Thanks for representing West so well. Congrats also to Ian for an amazing honor at this past weekend's science fair! And, to Phillip and Tyler for your Mock Trial victory. I'm amazed at what you students do!!

2) Boston-bound students... we're just about 2 weeks from going! Wow! Tomorrow (Thursday March 5) is an important rehearsal followed by a mandatory parent-student meeting at 6:30pm. We will work out all the details for departure and pickup, give out packing information, and go over the finalized itinerary. At least one parent must be present for each student (family) going. See you then.

3) Next week's schedule:

Monday - 4:30pm - 6:30pm possible Boston rehearsal - we'll make that decision at 6:30 tomorrow (Thursday)
Tuesday - 3:30pm Adv Symph Cello and Bass sectional
Tuesday - 4:30pm Adv Symph
Thursday - 2:30 - 4:30pm Boston rehearsal
Friday - 2:30 - 4:25 Adv Symph

Violas in Adv Orchestra - stay tuned: we might have a few early morning sectionals to fix up that triplet section in the Schubert Death and the Maiden

4) Just a reminder that our next concert is at 7pm on March 17, St. Patrick's Day at West in the auditorium. Stay tuned for timing - we have to consider Advanced Symphony and the Walker Advanced Orchestra (who is playing on that concert too).

5) If you check outside, you know it's no where near summertime yet - but, for those who are involved with planning for family vacations, you might want this information:

BOOT CAMP IS THE WEEK OF AUGUST 24 - 2 weeks before school begins.
Boot camp will be structured differently this next year - we're going to have concerts earlier in the Fall, so we're going to get into orchestra groupings at Boot Camp to accelerate the 'getting to know you' part of the year so we can get to learning music quicker. Here's a proposed schedule:

Monday - Thursday August 24 - 27
$40 fee per student
9am - all incoming 9th grade students
10am - All Orchestra and Symphony Strings students
11am - entire program
12 - all Orchestra students excused
1pm - all Symphony Strings students excused
2pm - all Advanced Orchestra students excused

Boot Camp will be a great time for us to socialize in our new groups, welcome our incoming freshman, reacquaint ourselves with our instrument, and jump start the year by learning some tunes and music all together. We will have guest artists come perform from 11 - 12 each day of Boot Camp - parents are welcome to come at that time to see the performances . Attendance at Boot Camp is considered mandatory. Those who have conflicts (sports tryouts, band camp, family trip already planned) can let Ms. Silberman know and we'll hopefully not learn too much music without you. The $40 fee may be waived in exchange for volunteer hours for those on free or reduced lunch.

Have a great weekend!
~Ms. S silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us