the crowden Letter

Crowden: a “Must-Visit” Destination for Musicians

Crowden continues to enjoy visits from a rich array of distinguished touring musicians. Drawn by the reputation of our students’ thoughtful love of music, guest artists leave inspired by Crowden’s unusual blend of expertise, passion, and collaborative spirit.

This summer, the great St. Lawrence String Quartet visited Crowden’s Summer Chamber Music Workshop, treating participants to a fascinating hour of Haydn quartets. SLSQ’s recently appointed second violinist, Crowden alumnus Owen Dalby (’98) observed, “To come back to Crowden is really gratifying… I think about studying with Anne, and how she instilled in all of us this love of chamber music. To have it come back full circle is just really awesome!”

In September, American styles superstars Mark and Maggie O’cO nn O r treated Crowden School students to a master class on beginning fiddler styles and improvisation techniques. Afterwards, Mark held faculty members in thrall with an unexpected kitchen jam session.

Later that month, Cal Performances generously brought an ensemble from Venezuela’s renowned Si MÓn B OLÍvar Sy M ph O ny Orche S tra to perform for Crowden School students. Ensemble 7/4 performed Venezuelan folk ‘Gaitas,’ the Habanera rhythms of Argentine tango, and jazzy arrangements of classical orchestral works, introducing students to unusual instruments and giving advice on practice ethics.

Just one week later, Crowden School alumnus k enneth r en S haw (’08) vis- ited his alma mater in advance of his concerto solo performance with the Oakland Symphony. Kenneth treated an exceptionally proud assembly of students and Crowden members to Bach and a mesmerizing Debussy Violin Sonata, then answered questions from his many fans in the audience. Kenneth advised students that although they may not see it now, “Everything you’re doing at Crowden now whether academic or musical, is going to really help you later in life. Even more than high school!”

The d e L phi t ri O, a faculty ensemblein-residence for Crowden’s summer chamber music workshop, also visited the Crowden School’s morning music program to give a pre-

News Flashes

• Crowden launched a new website this August: www.crowden.org!

• After we make the final payment on our mortgage this August 2016, we will own our historic landmark building outright. Our 2016 Gala Keys to Crowden will celebrate this momentous accomplishment.

• The Crowden Board of Trustees approved new officers and members and fêted view of their Sundays @ Four concert, featuring masterworks of the piano trio repertoire.

In October, the esteemed c avani Quartet spent two hours with Crowden School musicians, sitting in on small ensemble coachings before giving a master class to the full school assembly. Using spirited energy and humor, Cavani members encouraged students to experience and embody the music physically as they played. “Crowden students are so lucky to have technical strings at such a high level,” observed cellist Merry Peckham, while violist Kirsten Docter complimented a Schubert performance as “Exquisite—they really captured Schubert’s personality.” departing members this fall. cO urtney d uffy and Brian Sa MSO n stepped down after tremendous service. Former Board Chairs Sa LL ie a ren S and nO reen a xe LSO n, former Vice Chair f red kO nke L, and longtime member J O hn LOwitz were honored for their innumerable contributions throughout years of exceptional service. Sallie Arens and John Lowitz will serve on Crowden’s Advisory Board. ED Doris Fukawa remarks, “I know the entire Crowden community joins me in deep gratitude toward our departing trustees, many of whom provided invalu- able stewardship through crucial points in Crowden’s history, including the purchase of our historic landmark building, our incorporation as a non-profit organization, weathering the financial crisis, and renovating our Hoefer Auditorium. I am eternally grateful!”

When jazz violinist and composer Mad S tOLL ing came to visit Crowden School students this November, he gave the all-school orchestra his transcription of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal to sight-read. A recipient of two classical crossover Grammy Awards, Mads taught students unusual bowing techniques like “the chop” and the “bow slap.” Smooth Criminal could be heard emanating from classrooms for the rest of the day.

Also in November, Finnish-born k ai J a Saariah O, widely considered one of the world’s great composers, delighted young musicians in the John Adams Young Composers Program with an hour-and-a-half workshop.

The Board welcomed new trustees a nge L a J O ne S, JerOM e Matthew S and Ja SO n wang e ar L rupp continues as Board Chair, t i M d er is Vice Chair, z achary g riffin Treasurer, and a nge L a a rchie Secretary.

East Coast Reunion

old photos and memories, they swapped updates on their lives at present, met partners and children, and exchanged contact information.

Not surprisingly, the attending Crowden alums are all immersed in fascinating activities, from working as a Google engineer to releasing a new single for an orchestral pop duo.