IPO musicians share their talents with H-F’s orchestras

Student musicians in Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s orchestras got special attention the week of April 24 when Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) members gave small group lessons.

 

This was the first time an IPO  instructional program took place, and it took three months to schedule the IPO string section musicians. Volunteer musicians were violinist and concert mistress Elizabeth Huffman, violist Matt Barwegen, cellist Emily Mantell and bassist Fred Kuester.

 

The response from the members of the IPO and the H-F students in the Chamber, Sinfonia and Viking Orchestras was very positive, Huffman said.

 

The musicians worked with students in small groups for 60 to 90 minutes. Lessons focused on tone, musicality and the benefits of practicing and playing together.

 

“We worked on finessing how they held the bow and used their bow arm, because this helped with adding another layer of phrasing and color to the music,” explained Mantell.

 

“The students were very focused and open to suggestions. To the credit of their orchestra director, B.J. Engrav, and David Forsman, (private lessons) cello teacher of several students, all three sections already played with good intonation, accurate rhythm and a nice group sound,” she said. 

 

Barwegen said he worked “mainly on tone production in the freshman and sophomore groups, and on tone, musical direction and ensemble with the upperclassmen. They listened well and were eager to learn more, and they all clearly enjoyed playing viola.”

 

Sophomore Perry Hoag, who worked with Barwegen, said, “I learned to break down music into smaller parts to perfect the playing, even working on a note or two. I learned that details are important, really important.”

 

Senior Malika Toguem said, “I originally thought he (Barwegen) was going to just assume we knew everything and focus on technicalities that our section hasn’t quite mastered yet. The piece we were working with was a hard one, and we hadn’t played it in a while. I was surprised to see that he was really understanding and willing to work with us. 

 

“He broke down every difficult measure into something manageable, and by that point the song seemed easy,” Toguem said. “It was truly remarkable how much our section changed for the better after such a short session,” she said. “I truly got to appreciate the beauty of the piece because he showed me how to play it.”

 

Huffman said she enjoyed the musical instruction part of her session, and “I took the time to share some of my musical adventures with the students. I was so pleased to have many of the students share their own experiences with me, as well as their future plans. 

 

“We discussed the solid foundation of skills they have developed participating in the Homewood-Flossmoor orchestra program, and how they can use these skills throughout their lives. Whether they continue to perform, arrange music, teach others to play, or simply encourage others to appreciate music, they can use the skills they are learning here in this program to enhance their lives and their community.

 

“It is a real testament to their parents and teachers that such a strong program continues to thrive in this community,” she added. “I hope that the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra can continue to develop a relationship with this school, as well as others throughout the region.”