By Ellis McClure • Freshman • Violin
I had originally thought to myself, “What’s the point of playing this piece if we aren’t even performing it on a stage for people?” The experience with Mr. Livingston and the other ensembles was unforgettable.
To start, those that played alongside me, especially my stand partner, motivated me and gave me a need to really perform this piece Nimrod by Edward Elgar. The way my stand partner moved inspired me to move alongside her and mimic her movements and move together. I found myself becoming enveloped in the motion of the orchestra and moving to the shape of the piece.
However, Mr. Livingston brought out a different type of playing in me, a type of playing I’ve never experienced before. He brought out emotions in me that I never knew I had. Not only that, but I was able to apply that emotion and feeling into the music to make it much more special, meaningful, and powerful. Also, his attitude towards not only music, but life as well, changed my perspective on it all.
I started this day thinking that the climax of my trip has already been passed, but in reality, it had only just begun.
