Firsts.
Welcome to the first in a new series called “The Conductor’s Corner” where I and the other conductors will share different ideas, perspectives and experiences with all of you throughout the year. This being the very first article of this type, it’s gotten me to think about “firsts,” in general. After all, at MYS, we’re about to have the first rehearsal of a new year, in the first trimester and the first chance to see the new repertoire.
We’ve all been in this kind of situation before: the first day of school, a first team practice, a first lesson with a new teacher . . . There’s a tingling of anticipation, maybe a slight feeling of dread. More often than not, there’s a mixture—excitement, fear, gratitude, heightened receptiveness and a thousand other things besides. We’ve even invented special words for such occasions. When we play a piece for the first time, it’s called a “world premiere.” When someone performs in an important new situation, like in a famous hall, it’s called a “debut.”
The first time for anything is important and all of us should savor those events. Like with many things in life, it’s best to try to find a balance, in this case, between trying to rise to the particular moment and keeping a wider perspective.
For the first MYS rehearsal that’s approaching, I have 3 pieces of advice. Breathe. If you can quietly draw your attention to your own breath, coming and going at a regular rate, without tension, you’re going to remain centered and enable yourself to play at your best. Next, Stay open to what’s around you. What’s great about MYS? Playing with other fine musicians – so listen to them and enjoy playing together! The last one is tricky, because you need to do 2 things at once: Focus and have fun! Music calls for us to do so much with our minds and bodies at the same time, but ultimately, it’s expressive and fun. Stay in the moment and the first rehearsal—and all the rehearsals that follow—will be filled with joy and achievement.
Mark Mandarano is the MYS Artistic Director and Symphony Orchestra Conductor.
