Testimonials from Scholarship Recipients

"It’s been a year since my Medieval-Renaissance summer session at Sonoma State College, and my scholarship award for that session. I feel compelled to write you regarding my appreciation of the award before this next session begins, and especially of my experiences and impressions of the classes, concerts & teachers/artists at the workshop.

All the teachers were "the real thing,’ as Rotem Gilbert said to Peter Maud. They truly were all ‘the real thing.’  They were all virtuosi on their instruments, as well versed in pedagogy and historical musical practices.  And they were able to execute it!  I was truly impressed, and at times, blown away! There were some exciting moments: the cornetto playing was exquisite, Rotem bending notes on the recorder at break-neck speeds, and Peter on the tabla.

The experience was personally and musically satisfying. Associating with musicians of that caliber, teachers and participants, validated my thoughts regarding teaching this period of music, conducting ensembles of this nature, and interpreting this music. Music is music regardless of the period. The secret is in the score, and requires study. Stay true to the period and its historical accuracy. This requires reading and studying.

I played the recorders and shawm last summer. I heard the Doucaine for the first time A product of my participation there, and your investment in me, has resulted in my ordering a tenor Doucaine. I bought a better shawm than I what I had at Sonoma State, and have decided to invest in a baroque oboe soon.

Thank you again for your support, and continue doing good things."

Yours in music,
Eugene Chieffo

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