We've made it to our final edition of "On the Podium," and last, but certainly not least, is Kings County Concert Band conductor Jasmine Britt and Grand Street Community Band Assistant Conductor Laurel Stinson, who both recalled an inspiring rehearsal with composer David Maslanka as a musical highlight! Lucky them!
Missed an installment? Read about Jeff and Kimberly here, and Brian and Frankie here! Thanks to all of our amazing conductors for sharing!
My favorite piece I've ever conducted is...
I spend a great deal of time conducting beginning/intermediate level players so I'm always interested in finding works that have aesthetic value without being technically challenging. Some of my go-to works would be Timothy Broge's Sinfonia Six or David Holsinger's On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss.
My Favorite MMC Moment is...
Working with Dr. Maslanka on his Fourth Symphony at an open rehearsal with BKWS. It felt like the walls between composer, conductor, ensemble and audience had been broken down and we were all a part of a communal musical experience. Dr. Maslanka worked with the students at Grand Street Campus so it was great that they were included in that moment too.
My (non-music!) related hobby is...
I started taking dance classes while I was at FSU. I took two semesters of ballet, a semester of modern dance and a semester of African dance. Since moving to NYC, I try to take a class here and there. I even convinced a group of friends to take a Valentine's Day tango lesson. Nothing helps you turn a music phrase better than dancing through one.
I do what I do because...
I love music and I want to facilitate the music making of others. As much as I'm for musical appreciation, I believe strongly in music participation regardless of level or ability. I think I'm lucky that I get to expose my students to music performance and then at the end of the day, I get to get adults back into the fold at night.
My favorite piece I've ever conducted is....
I can't believe I have to pick one--that's just evil...because I love conducting music. Period. But if I must decide, I have to pick Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger. The six movements of the piece vary greatly in character and mood as well as embody the nature of folk music. This piece is a well balanced example of challenge for the player and the conductor alike while maintaining musical aspects that keep the audience member satisfied and inspired. Just GREAT music.
My Favorite MMC Moment is....
Two separate occasions. My favorite moment was entering the stage at Carnegie Hall before Grand Street Community Band's performance in 2015. But my favorite memory comes from a rehearsal of David Maslanka's music with Dr. Maslanka himself. The time spent in that rehearsal refueled the inspiration and reminded me why I do what I do.
My (non-music related!) hobby is....
Again with the picking one...GOLF! I love golfing and being outdoors just as much as I love music. But golf doesn't give the love back as music does. There are a lot of mental parallels between navigating the course successfully and leading from the podium--not to mention the peaceful nature of enjoying outdoors.
I do what I do because…
I do what I love. During the teaching day, I primarily lead Core music classes and vocal music. Although I find this extremely satisfying, I'd rather be in front of an instrumental ensemble of any age. The adult musicians I get to work with every week remind me why I do what I do during the day. We get to bring art and beauty into the world--and have fun making music together!