Music-Making Opportunities for Amateurs

In April I had the sincere pleasure of working with several Alberta organizations, including Hornfest. It was a wonderful experience, and a riot for all involved! I was overjoyed to work with a group ranging from beginner students, high school talents, conservatory students, adult enthusiasts and pros, and I believe they also felt the incredible energy in the weekend of music-making. One of the biggest challenges discussed was the lack of  opportunities for adult amateurs and keen high school students. Once students enter the college system, they are immersed in chamber music, but have few opportunities before and after.  Anyone who knows me personally knows my of ardent advocacy for chamber music at all levels (which I facilitate through my yearly Horn Nights), but that isn't available everywhere. I have a few suggestions for encouraging chamber music in your community.

For teachers:

• Put together a small packet of easy duos, trios and quartets for young students to try out on their own and take home. There are some great quartet books (Pottag, Rubank) that are fantastic starting points, and some easy arrangements (Louie, Louie etc.) are also relatively easy to come by.  My students and parents also loved when we played holiday duets and sent them as videos at Christmas time - a great challenge for the students, and a great opportunity for parents to see your rapport and progress!
• Arrange a couple well-known tunes (Harry Potter etc.) with very simple harmonies so that more advanced students can tackle the melody, while the younger ones can still get involved.
• Find a few large ensemble works that will challenge your more advanced high school students, but still have lines within grasp of those that are just starting out.  While some may be a little out of their reach, pushing their reading and playing abilities will be well worth it. Even if the music isn't note-perfect, students will want to show they are up to the challenge and pull of much more than you ever expected! Some of my favorites are raucous marches, Hansel and Gretel, and vocal arrangements.
• Arrange informal reading and playing sessions once or twice a year. Take the pressure off, and just HAVE FUN! You will all be pleasantly surprised how much you accomplish.

For students or amateur adult players:

• Find like-minded enthusiasts in community bands or in your public schools - you may find some of your band directors want to dust off their horns too! Start with a small time commitment, maybe pair it with another fun activity (duets and ice cream, anyone?), and see what happens!
• Reach out to local organizations or colleges to find out about reading opportunities- I often invite students to play with our collegiate ensemble a few times a year, and it is a riot for everyone involved!
• Try your hand at arranging a favorite tune, or adapting a vocal arrangement. When it's something that everyone really loves, participation always goes up!
• Find arrangements of Christmas carols and head out to your local hospital/retirement community. It will be loads of fun, rewarding, and always easier to convince peers to join in when there is altruism involved.

There are many great chamber works out there, and it is worth spending some time reading through them - have fun, keep it informal, and keep your passion and interest alive. The return on your investment will be huge!