Klarinet Archive - Posting 000151.txt from 2004/12

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Fred!! Leave the measure out.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 12:47:03 -0500

One more comment about Fred Fennell....

Four years ago, my oldest daughter was a member of the Greater Dallas Youth
Orchestra. She was quite a good player and loved her music. (she knew Fred
too)

Fred Fennell was in Dallas conducting the Dallas Wind Symphony (always a big
deal ;-) and my schedule allowed me the opportunity to play with the
ensemble on this particular concert. I always tried to sit in the group when
Fred came to town. Before one of the evening rehearsals my daughter asked me
at the dinner table if she could go to the rehearsal with me. My kids often
attend concerts but rarely ask to go with me to rehearsals. I asked why and
she replied, "I want to ask Mr. Fennell to sign my orchestra folder". I
understood right away. Many years ago Fred Fennell had come up with 22, or
some number that I don't recall right now, suggestions about performance.
These "suggestions" had been printed of the inside fly of band and orchestra
folders offered up to school programs by music stores. This was the case all
over the country. I'm sure that many of you will remember this folder. I'm
convinced these "performance suggestions' were about far more than just
performance. I believe they touched on many facets of how we live life as
well. My daughter's favorite suggestion was always, "never play mezzo
nothing". Of course on the surface of it, Fred was encouraging young players
to expand their dynamic range...but on another level Fred was encouraging us
all to not to live the/a life of "mezzo nothing".

Kristin did go to rehearsal that night and she did get Dr. Fennell's
"autograph" as well as many kind words from Fred.

Forest Aten

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