Prep Talk

Music Students Meet with Philadelphia Orchestra

Posted April 5th, 2013

On April 4, a group of 30 music students from the Prep attended an open rehearsal of the Philadelphia Orchestra and pre-rehearsal talk.  They were accompanied to The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia by music teacher Mrs. Mary Lou Newnam and Assistant to the President for Mission and Ministry, Fr. Patrick McStravog, O.S.A.

The speaker, who is the principal cellist, shared her experience of playing with the Philadelphia Orchestra. She spoke about the years of practice, her college music experience, and the rigorous audition process that led her to a coveted spot in the cello section of this world-class orchestra.

The students then went into the main hall to listen to the orchestra rehearse three pieces. Here the students observed first-hand the artistic collaboration between outstanding musicians and conductors who performed three pieces of classical music.

In addition to a valuable cultural experience, the students learned about the rehearsal process and gained some insight into the discipline required to do anything well.