Two Fox Lane Ensembles Play the Chamber Music Society Regional Concert

Earlier this month, two Fox Lane High School musical ensembles played at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Regional Concert at Hoff Barthelson Music School. The selected cello quartet, made up of Cami Bly, Jordan Brown, Jonah Kim and Sam Griff, and string quintet, which included Maggie Kuo-Reed, Liz McCormack, Hannah Laskaris, Cami Bly and Jordan Brown, each received intensive coaching with a world-class Lincoln Center artist. Only three other high schools in the area had the honor of participating.

“It is a very competitive process in which the students have an opportunity to be considered for the finals performance on the stage of Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center,” said Bedford Central School District’s Director of Orchestras Janine Bergamini. “All students need to treat their part as a solo in preparation — the music the students are playing is at a professional level. Each student’s preparation affects the success of the entire group. Small ensemble chamber music is so important in developing advanced skills in orchestra and collaborative studies.”

The experience challenged the student musicians — and even surprised them.

“Having no prior experience in a chamber group, I didn't know what to expect,” said senior Liz McCormack. “I was surprised by the amount of communication and understanding all of the players had when we practiced together. There was a strong sense of connection that came easily in our quintet because every part was so vulnerable to the other. From the experience, I've enjoyed more intimate pieces since they're so unique from the repertoire in the classroom.”

While most people think of teamwork in relation to sports, it was an essential piece of each group’s success.

Liz, a violinist, noted that you really must listen to the other members of your group in order to perform well.

“You have to anticipate a cello's eighth note during your rest and make sure your bow matches with the first violin at the same time,” she said. “I learned in chamber pieces that you become more aware of not only your own playing, but how it fits with the other members. Through trial and error, our quintet adapted to perform all five parts of the piece, not just our own.”

Maggie Kuo-Reed, who is also a senior violinist, thinks the challenge and unique experience of a chamber ensemble is something every musician should experience.

“It is a completely different experience because it really requires you to collaborate with your fellow musicians on a physical level and also on a musical level,” she said. “Also, you talk to and meet new people and become really close because everyone is struggling through the same passage and everyone’s success depends on the success of the whole group. It will probably be one of the best musical memories I have.”