TISQ gives insight into their music at Music Hall/PMAC Clinic

The Turtle Island String Quartet, known throughout the world for their unconventional repertoire, gave an insightful clinic to a group of PMAC students today. It was a remarkable experience for all who attended.

It is unfortunately a rare event when a group of community music students can sit down with a famous ensemble and discuss music. But the Music Hall and PMAC are working to make such events more common here in Portsmouth. Organized by the Music Hall's Therese Lagamme, the TISQ gave a one-hour clinic to a group of PMAC students on the Music Hall stage today at 11 a.m. (see pictures below) The quartet, led by violinist and founder David Balakrishnan, played several selections from their eclectic repertoire including Charlie Parker's "Billie's Bounce" and the Tower of Power's "Who do you think we are?" Even a little Beethoven. They shared their insights regarding jazz on string instruments, swing and "classical" rhythms, improvisation, and told some stories from their 20 year history.

One of the great moments of the clinic was when violinist Evan Price demonstrated many of his extended playing techniques, such as playing the violin like "bongos", or a "banjo," or even getting the sound of "brushes on a snare drum" by bowing the wooden side of his violin. Cellist Mark Summer shared stories from his 20 years in the group and showed the students how a cello can be played like a jazz bass. And violist Mads Tolling discussed pizzacato technique with a New Horizons String Ensemble violinist. All four made the experience a powerful one for PMAC's students.

If you were unable to attend, you can come to future PMAC events, such as our May 22nd clinic with Boston composer and saxophonist Joe Maneri. These clinics are wonderful experiences for all and remind us of the communicative power of music.