Galway students K-12 had a musical treat for two days in January. Bridge Arts Ensemble held a residency that was customized for students of every age and music ability level.
Bridge Arts Ensemble (BAE) is a Teaching Artist organization consisting of over 60 artists who bring music to over 50 school districts in the Adirondack Park Region. BAE artists travel from New York City in ensembles of six individuals including two singers, a pianist, a percussionist, and two additional instrumentalists. BAE worked with Galway music teachers to tailor the experience to augment Galway’s curriculum.
The BAE musicians began with a workshop called “How to Work Together” for the Senior High Band. The professional musicians walked the students through a sound check to make sure every instrument could be heard. They talked about the nuances of practicing as an ensemble and noted that every residency consists of different musicians, so many times, they have never worked together prior to going to a school. The BAE artists emphasized the importance of being prepared so working as a group can be productive. They shared the various ways they themselves prepare, such as listening to recordings of pieces to get a sense of tempo and style.
The “BAE Team Galway” consisted of Female Vocalist Lotte Crayton, Male Vocalist Jacob Hoffman, Ian Axness on piano, Brian Shank on percussion, Eric Umble on clarinet, and Willem de Koch on trombone. The musicians shared advice with the students throughout the residency and agreed that the age at which they made the most progress with their instruments was while they were in high school. Each member has multiple gigs including coaching; teaching lessons; singing/playing in choral groups and ensembles; and performing in musical theater, orchestras, and operas.
Students in grades K-6 were treated to concerts with different themes. Grades 6-8 listened to “American Patchwork” and learned about the various styles that make up American music. Grades 3-5 enjoyed “A Hero’s Journey,” and grades K-2 loved “The Happy Singer.”
BAE musicians conducted separate workshops for male voices and female voices. Female Vocalist Lotte Crayton told the girls in Junior High Chorus: “Singing is the place where you can be obnoxious and loud and find your voice.”
The musicians conducted clinics for trombone and clarinet, working through trouble spots with helpful and practical advice. First graders learned about “Musical Story Telling,” and second graders discovered “Musical Names.”
“It was a tremendously successful two days,” said Galway Band Director and Music Teacher Gary Barrow. “Residencies such as this tend to bring learning to life. Students may hear the same things we tell them in class every day, but when it’s presented by a different person in a workshop or clinic, it may help them reach a deeper level of understanding. They can also learn about the different career paths that are open to artists and musicians.”