Orpheus Residency: A New Way of Thinking When Making Music

For the past semester The University of Maryland, College Park School of Music has been working closely with members of the prestigious conductor-less Orpheus Ensemble. Here is a reflection.

By: Jonathan Cain

Our residency with Orpheus has brought a brand new way of thinking about section awareness, rehearsal techniques and orchestral leadership.

What is incredible about working with these musicians is that they do not teach the above separately, but as a whole through new ways of thinking about music making. For example, I have learned to think of the sound I wish to achieve instead of pitch, as the pitch will change depending on how we sit.

With this in mind, the section blend and way that I interact with and lead my colleagues has to do with our collective sound and energy, and when we think of this first, the intonation comes naturally. Leading a large section does not mean having larger cues or a larger look toward the concertmaster or conductor; it is not with words, but with character, gesture, and the awareness of solo parts that may seem miles away from me.

I have learned that everyone has an idea of the character for a certain passage and that by actively listening we can jump on board with them when we are intrigued by their interpretation. Good leadership is the ability to interact with others and the liberty to follow.

There are just about a million other things I have taken away from this experience, but the largest one is a new and fresh excitement for listening, participating, and experiencing music with others.