Student musicians benefit from WSO director's words
Waukesha Symphony Orchestra Director Alexander Platt works with the Brookfield East High School Orchestra on Nov. 17 on music slections the class had been rehearsing for students to see and hear how another director may interpret the same piece of music. Photo By C.T. Kruger
When Andrew Platt, Waukesha Symphony Orchestra music director, walks into a high school orchestra class, the accomplished conductor said he feels just as challenged as when he steps in front of professional musicians.
Still, Platt said, he focuses on one thing during his annual set of student clinics.
"My only objective is just to walk in and make music," he said after a Nov. 17 session with the Brookfield East High School orchestra.
That can be difficult, Platt said, because he's conducting pieces students have already been learning with their teacher. He tries to give new perspective to each piece of music.
"My role is just to complement what they're already doing," he said.
Intense hour of practice
During the clinic at Brookfield East, Platt led the orchestra through "Symphonia de Nativitate," an 18th-century Polish symphony. Stopping to give occasional feedback, Platt shared facts about musical instruments and the history of orchestral compositions while also giving advice about proper playing techniques, dynamics and rhythm.
"It always has to have a shape," he told students about their sound. "Even if there's nothing written (on the sheet music), it has to have a shape."
The clinic lasted just one class period, but the students played right through the bell. The electronic tone signaling the end of class blended discordantly with the sound of the orchestra. When Platt signaled for the group to stop playing, the students expressed their gratitude with claps and stomps.
Changing conductors helps
Anne Marie Peterson, orchestra director for Brookfield East and Dixon Elementary, said having a different person lead the class helps students progress as musicians.
"He's such an amazing conductor. For me as their teacher, it's such a pleasure because I can see them grow in just a couple of minutes," she said. "He stretched us, and that was a wonderful feeling."
Peterson enjoyed a rare opportunity to switch roles and play alongside her students. She said when she's playing, her "conductor brain turns off."
"When I'm conducting, I hear mistakes and I look for problems," she said.
"If somebody else is working with them, I'm so happy. It's just such a beautiful world."
Symphony reaches out
In addition to the clinic at Brookfield East, Platt volunteered his time Nov. 16 and 17 to do workshops for seven other orchestras and bands, including at Brookfield Central. The workshops are part of the Waukesha Symphony League's educational outreach.
In May, the WSO will invite selected students to join in a performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Platt said he hopes to see students from Brookfield East and Central playing in the concert.
FYI
For information regarding opportunities in music education, visit waukeshasymphony.org." target="_blank">waukeshasymphony.org.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Brookfield East High School orchestra concert, including "Symphonia de Nativitate"
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15
WHERE: Carroll College, 100 N. East Ave., Waukesha
ONLINE: elmbrookschools.org
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Brookfield Central High School choir performs with the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra at the Viennese Christmas concert
WHEN: 5 p.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: Elmbrook Church, 777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield
ONLINE: waukeshasymphony.org
Alexander Platt
• Waukesha Symphony Orchestra music director
■ Marion Indiana Philharmonic music director
■ Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia principal conductor
■ Chicago Opera Theater resident conductor and music adviser
■ Carthage College conductor-in-residence and visiting professor
■ has guest conducted the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany, among others
■ degrees from Yale University, King's College
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from News and Features
- Business Notes: Jan. 27
- Elmbrook board to review superintendent candidates Wednesday
- Kindergarten open houses set for Jan. 31
- After successful Ladies Night, EEF plans Casino Royale
- Business Calendar: Feb. 4-22
- On the Move: Jan. 26
- Ask NOW: Bank construction will alter landscaping
- K4 in Elmbrook not likely for next fall (13)
- Elmbrook sets administrative salaries (1)
- Village gets grant money to cull deer population
0 COMMENTS