Perspectives on Collaborating with The Spence School Orchestra Program
By Philip Hough
The 2022-2023 school year offered a unique opportunity for the Saint David ’ s Philharmonic Ensemble to collaborate with the Spence orchestra program . In the fall we hosted the Spence Middle School Orchestra in the Otto- Bernstein Theatre and , more recently , joined the Spence girls in their division-wide concert at their new Spence 412 Athletic and Educational Facility on East 90th Street . It was an exciting chance to participate in Spence ’ s All-Division Spring Instrumental Ensemble Concert featuring a variety of Spence ’ s musical groups , including the Lower School Ensemble , the Middle School Rock Band , the Spence Collective , and a combined orchestra made up of their Lower , Middle , and High School orchestras performing Vivaldi ’ s Summer from the Four Seasons .
Several themes emerged from our graduating eighth grade Ensemble musicians , all violinists , when they shared their reflections on this special experience . Paramount was the thread of mutual respect that enhanced the enjoyment of working with new colleagues and in new venues . Having already met in the fall , the Saint David ’ s and Spence musicians quickly began rehearsing the new program in earnest , focusing on the partnership necessary to achieve the shared goal of an exciting performance .
On a practical level , the boys noted the challenge of adjusting to different conductors ’ styles . While leading up to the event , the Spence and Saint David ’ s orchestras each rehearsed separately with their own conductor . However , the final rehearsals and concert meant performing some of the repertoire with the neighboring school ’ s conductor , thus providing an invaluable study in musical flexibility .
The boys all mentioned the fresh perspective offered by working in new venues . We enjoyed sharing our glorious Otto-Bernstein
24 • Saint David ’ s Magazine