"Partnership in Education" Program Brings Amphion String Quartet to Students in Sleepy Hollow

Friends of Music Concerts' "Partnership in Education" program recently underwrote a one-day residency by the Amphion String Quartet, a young professional ensemble, who worked with music students at the Sleepy Hollow High School and Middle School. The day started with a performance and lecture and was followed by master classes for string ensembles.

"Integral to the workshops is an effort to impress upon the students the importance of becoming completely absorbed in the music, to listen to one another and to communicate through the music," says Friends of Music education chair Rosella Ranno. "It's amazing to hear the difference in technical execution with just one half hour of exposure to young professionals who regard educational outreach as an important part of their mission."

Brittney Trenczer, strings and orchestral teacher, notes that this was the third time that the Amphion Quartet had been in residency at Sleepy Hollow High School and Middle School. "The group's performance for orchestra students was inspiring, she said. "The choice of repertoire highlighted the versatility of the ensemble. Throughout the master classes, students were very responsive to constructive critiques from the Amphion members, each of whom were knowledgeable and personable."

Equally enthusiastic is Amphion cellist Mihai Marica: "Through the Partnership in Education Program, we had the opportunity to spend a day with some very enthusiastic music students and work with them in various combinations, including chamber music and orchestral settings," he said. "It was a great experience for us and we feel that having a chance to return and play for them will help us keep their interest alive. We hope that even if they don't become musicians, they will be some of the most passionate supporters of our art."

After a performance by the Amphion for all the orchestral students, there were five master classes for high-school students: select quartet, chamber orchestra, advanced trio/quartet, elite quintet and honors trip. The two master classes for middle-school students were chamber ensemble and advanced quartet. Classes were from four to 12 players.

One of many tips offered by Amphion players was to play slowly in rehearsal so as to more fully appreciate what's being played and guarantee the best performance. Slowing down the tempo can also help in fuller use of the bowing arm. Another suggestion was to stand during rehearsal, which will spur better posture while sitting.

"Amphion tries to get students to feel part of the music, to listen and communicate with one another and feel the ambience of the music coming alive," R anno says. "It makes a lasting impression." She recalls a New Rochelle student who had never heard the cello but was enthralled. "A year later, when we went back, he had started lessons."

Musicians working with students are attuned to young people, Ranno observes. "They believe they have a responsibility to teach, and want to create lovers of music even if they don't pursue musical careers." Motivating the effort, she believes, is a slightly diminishing attendance at classical music concerts. "The musicians feel that their interaction can help students become not only better musicians but also skilled listeners and supporters of classical music."

Adult concertgoers will have a chance to hear the Amphion String Quartet this spring, when they will be among the musicians participating in Friends of Music Concerts' Schubertiade on April 26 at Sleepy Hollow High School at 8:00 pm. In an evening devoted to the works of Franz Schubert, the program will include his beloved "Trou t" Piano Quintet.

Partnerships in Education, which began in 1996 with workshops directed by the Brentano String Quartet in Ossining, has featured the Amphion, Linden, Afiara, Enzo and Carducci string quartets. In addition to Tarrytown and Ossining, workshops have been held in New Rochelle, Briarcliff Manor, Pleasantville, Mamaroneck and Bronxville.

Friends of Music Concerts, Inc. is a non-profit organization that showcases a wide range of musicians who demonstrate the diversity and fine quality of chamber music today. Now celebrating its 60th season, the organization offers the public six concerts a year.

Tickets for individual concerts are $30 for adults and $15 for students. Order forms may be downloaded from www.friendsofmusicconcerts.org and then mailed with a check to Friends of Music Concerts, P.O. Box 675, Millwood, NY 10546. Sleepy Hollow High School is located at 210 North Broadway (Route 9), in Sleepy Hollow. Parking is free.

Concerts are made possible, in part, by a Basic Program Support Grant of ArtsWestchester (with funds from Westchester County), by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and by generous support from private individuals and businesses.