Learning from a Legend
By Benjamin Rickert, Communications Department
Master violinist Midori Gotō is known and admired around
the globe for her virtuosic musicianship and commitment
to education. In March, she visited students in Buncombe
County Schools as part of her week-long residency with the
Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) During her visits,
Midori performed on the stages of both T.C. Roberson High
and Clyde A. Erwin High, and conducted master classes for
strings students.
“When she walked in, she had this musical glow about her,”
recalled Avery Narron, a senior at A.C. Reynolds High, who
plays trumpet with the ASYO. “It is very special to meet someone who
is one of the best who has ever lived.”
In her clinic at Erwin, Midori explained to students that even when
they know their music well, “it is important to think ahead- to
always be aware of what is coming,” as this can help them remain
focused and accurate, even if something unexpected happens during
a performance. She also spoke about the intensity of her personal
practice schedule, which had an impact on Chloe Lindberg, a junior
oboist at T.C. Roberson.
“She’s a true professional and everything she does [with the violin]
is perfect,” recalled Lindberg. “As a musician, it makes me want to
strive to reach her level. She taught us the importance of a practice
schedule — how rigorous it needs to be — because you can’t
be a good musician without practice.”
Erwin’s strings instructor, Mr. Paul Zinke, was thrilled for his
students to experience first hand that “music extends beyond
their classrooms, and that they can be a part of that musical
world. It means a lot to us as we continually work to build
a stronger program.”
Cara Jenkins, manager of the Asheville Symphony, explained
that the week-long residency with Midori will be uniquely
transformative for each student. “I’m grateful our community
has had this opportunity to work with such a passionate, gifted musician and educator,” she said.
“I’m hoping that they will take whatever they can,” Midori said before joining the students on stage for one
of her clinics. “It’s not for me to tell them what they should get out of it; it’s up to the individual person.”
Midori’s residency concluded with a performance at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, where she played
alongside the ASYO and its fifty one BCS musicians.
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