I am on vacation for the next few weeks playing golf and visiting colleges with my sixteen-year old son. Today’s blog comes to us courtesy of Chicago Sinfonietta intern Emily Rosendall.
First, I’d like to thank Jim for letting me guest blog this week. I’ll start by telling you a little about myself. I grew up in Evansville, Indiana, and am getting my master’s degree in urban planning, with a concentration in community development at Ball State University. I’m a member of the MTV Generation who loves classical music.
Some of you may be wondering what urban planning has to do with classical music or with the Chicago Sinfonietta. Urban planning involves both the physical and non-physical aspects of communities, and very often involves the people in them. My ultimate goal is to use the arts as a way of bettering communities and the people who live, work, and play in them.
So, why did I choose to work for the Sinfonietta? To start with, the orchestra has a history of showcasing classical musicians and pieces from a variety of backgrounds, and of offering new takes on traditional classical pieces. The Sinfonietta is very community- oriented; inclusiveness is a constant theme in planning programs, guest soloists, and educational activities. The work environment here is very relaxed and open; Jim will listen to anyone’s ideas, no matter how far-out they may seem. We’re constantly trying to do things that haven’t been done before in the Chicago classical music arena. The Sinfonietta is innovative, it’s progressive, and furthermore, it’s just plain fun.
I’ve been here since May 11th, and the past month and a half has taken me on the ride of my life. I’ve done more and learned more here in the past month about arts administration, Chicago, and about life in general, than I ever imagined, and I’ll share some of my experiences with you.
I started work on the coldest, rainiest, most disgusting day possible. My umbrella turned inside out about five times during that walk (I’ve since learned that it is pointless to carry an umbrella in downtown Chicago). Add to this the fact that I was wearing a suit. Yes, a suit. Our office is pretty informal, so needless to say, I felt a little out of place that day.
Interning for an orchestra definitely has its advantages. Free tickets to events, meeting talented Chicago musicians, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a major performing arts organization, and meeting stellar guest soloists are all part of this job. One of the highlights of my time here has been meeting hip-hop violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain. DBR, as he brands himself, uses his work to draw young people into classical music. I think that he embodies the future of classical music.
Being in Chicago has been a learning experience in itself. The city is so supportive of arts and culture; that’s a quality that isn’t found in every city, and something that Chicago should be proud of. There’s so much more to do and experience here than can possibly be covered in one summer, but I’m trying to do as much as I can. Some of my experiences so far: I’ve visited the Silk Road Oasis, I attended a Blue Man Group performance, I experienced the South African opera Ushaka at Ravinia with the Sinfonietta as the featured orchestra, and I found all the summer reading I need at the Printers’ Row Book Fair.
Working for the Sinfonietta has given me a perspective that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Everyone who works here brings so much knowledge, experience, and dedication to the group, and that’s something that you don’t necessarily find everywhere you work. Working here has challenged me and has pushed the limits of my creativity and knowledge. I’ve accomplished more than I could have expected during my time here, and I’ve learned much along the way. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time in Chicago and with the Sinfonietta.
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