The

November 2012
By Ryan Shannon I recently started thinking about how much I actually know about NEC, the institution where I have spent the past 3 years, countless thousands of hours and tens of thousands of dollars. I concluded that while I know a lot about NEC, the information is not diverse, barely encroaching on the boundaries of my own string department with swift forays into such exotic territories as Contemporary Improvisation and Jazz. But as musicians it is crucial to have exposure to the myriad array of musicians, ensembles, genres, and disciplines far removed from our warm and cozy practice corners. For this reason, we at The Penguin have decided to publish a series of Penguin Spotlights to shine light on the remarkable goings-on of the departments and ensembles that you may not have time to find out about. Imagine walking into the first class of a course, and instead of the teacher handing out syllabuses with prescribed reading, learning, and tasks, they sit down in front of you and ask you a question: What do you want to learn about? Not only would this put you completely off guard, but also you might not have an answer. If you did manage to scrounge out a reply, such as How to develop my musicality, the next question would be How would you go about doing that? Most of us would be left thinking, Why are you asking me what to do? Youre supposed to be teacher! But why is this so surprising? Isnt it important for us at this stage of our development to be able to form questions and such answers ourselves? Well Larry Scripp and his colleagues in the MIE department believe this is crucially important.

Penguin
New England Conservatory Issue XLVII

The Greater Artist: A Spotlight on the M.I.E. Department

Larry Scripp, Lyle Davidson, Paul Burdick, and Warren Senders, double-agent professors of the Theory and MIE departments, designed an innovative approach to give students the tools to learn how to teach themselves and others. To any MIE educator, the NEC student evolves simultaneously in 3 areas: as Artist, Teacher, and Scholar. The Artist is what most conservatory training concentrates on and limits itself to, the experiences of the musician: the performances, the concerts, and master-classes. The Scholar, the learning sector of the student, represents how this collection of information is processed and retained. However, because musicians are taught to focus primarily on their artistry, this area of learning commonly goes unexamined. According to Larry Scripp, the Scholar asks: How do I practice? How do I keep notes? How have I learned what Ive learned? The reflection on these questions in turn affects ones artistry. Furthermore, once the student has collected and practiced what they have learned as a scholar, they can now express it as a teacher, leading to more learning and experiences. The evolution of a musician is a dynamic process that never ends. M.I.E. continued on the next page

In This Issue:

The Community of NEC Eating Out in Boston Boston Record Store Reviews 1 Ask Emmy: Making Decisions

2 3 4 7

A Freshmans Perspective...
By Bryce Leafman Most people do not look forward to big changes. But moving to college can be a VERY big change. A lot of nerves are involved when moving to college. Students often worry about things such as buying their own groceries, making friends, fitting in, and being academically and musically successful. Despite all of this, the moment I stepped foot into New England Conservatory, I knew this was the right place for me. I will never forget move-in day. The sun was shining over Jordan Hall, the sky was clear blue, and the temperature was cool. When I walked into 33G for the first time and saw the bright faces of the RAs waiting to check in their residents, I immediately felt welcomed. I was greeted outside the dorm and welcomed again by someone in the threshold, and immediately brought into the community by those sitting behind the check-in table. After introducing myself to the four RAs who were the friendliest individuals Id ever met at a conservatory, I made my way up to my room. As I walked down the hall, my hall mates kept popping out of their doors to say hello. I must have introduced myself to at least twenty people in the time it took me to move my belongings to my room. Throughout the day, parents, new students, and returning students alike all showed a most genuine kindness towards me and every other student moving in, and I thought to myself, Im going to fit in here. My biggest apprehension about coming to NEC was the dorm food. I spoke to many alumni of NEC, and I heard things such as, The food is intolerable, or, I never thought anyone could ruin a cheese quesadilla until I had one at NEC. I kept telling myself, It cant be that bad, it cant be that bad. The first thing I ordered was a crispy chicken sandwich with French fries. I sat down with my food and glanced nervously at my plate. However, after my However, after my first bite, I was delightfully surprised to realize that the sandwich was not horrible. In fact, I actually enjoyed it! I asked around and heard that NEC recently changed food vendors in an attempt to improve the quality of their food, and said a silent prayer to myself, thankful that my biggest fear turned out to not exist. I havent had a bad meal in the Bistro, and love that it is a place that students gather to spend time with each other and enjoy a nice meal. Since move-in day, I can honestly say that I have not met a sour person on the NEC campus. NEC students do not seclude themselves from their classmates; they do not hide in practice rooms or their dorm rooms. Instead, everyone at NEC displays an outright friendship and a genuine interest in getting to know their peers. In my first orchestra rehearsal, I was shocked at the level of professionalism the students displayed. In a first rehearsal in high school, the musicians are lucky to play for a total of five minutes, and those five minutes usually sound horrendous. At NEC, all the students came to the first rehearsal with their parts prepared, and we ran through all of the pieces on this concert. And on top of that, it sounded great! We are all here for a common purpose, a love for music. But NEC is not simply a congregation of musicians. The faculty and students of NEC form a family. Even though Ive now been here almost a month, it still amazes me that when I walk out of rehearsal, to the St. Botolph building for class, or across the street from the dorm to Jordan Hall it is impossible not to exchange a hello with at least three people, run into someone I know, or stop to have at least two different conversations. Today, I feel just as welcomed at NEC as I did that first day I stepped inside these walls.
Bryce Leafman is a freshman percussion Performance major. You can send comments about his article Bryce.Leafman@necmusic.edu

M.I.E. continued from page 1 It can be easy for those first looking at the MIE department to see it as just another class that will deduct from our precious practice room hours. But to think of the MIE program in this way is to entirely miss the point of the lessons that are being taught. Instead MIE curriculum is crafted to the personal goals, desires and choices of the students receiving this training. These students come with ideas, projects and plans whose origin is a personal vision that they have established, whether they know it or not. The role of this curriculum is to provide the tools to unlock those plans and visions, to give one the courage and the strength to dive deeper into oneself, to search, find, and then create the visions that are at the basis of ones soul; to teach them how they learn so that they may then teach themselves. Armed with the knowledge of the makings of their own intelligence, they can now go into any field, any profession and know how to approach the challenges that face them. When it is the power of your own spirit that drives you, when it is the power of your own will that explodes outwards to burn another path; your path; it is there that you will find your art. Join me in the next issue as I learn more about the personal experiences of Robert Flax and Devin Ullibari and the changes they are incurring on the world around us.
Ryan Shannon is a junior violin performance major. Send comments about this article to Ryan.Shannon@necmusic.edu

If You Have a Moment, Go Eat Something Tasty!

A New Column by Thegourmetoboist

I am always shocked at the number of people who never leave campus, and spend their entire NEC stint within the confines of our three and a half buildings. Seriously guys, you need to get out occasionally! A lack of fresh air and a Bistro-only diet will lead the average person to insanity and cause practicing to be a battle with ones mind over whether focus is necessary, rather than a meditative time in which a musician can improve his/her playing through scientific analysis. For this reason, I, Thegourmetoboist, have decided to make it my mission to ensure that each Penguin reader gets to experience at least one wholesome off-campus meal a week. Many of you dont even know where ERC is. Really guys, its right across the street! Going there doesnt even count as leaving campus! Ok, to be fair, ERC changed their name to Pavement Caf last year, so if youre looking for a place called ERC, you might have a little trouble finding it. Located on Gainsborough St across from Panera and Symphony Sushi, Pavement offers a variety of interesting sandwiches, bagels, pastries, teas, and coffees. Everything I have tried there is absolutely delicious! Go there on a weekday and you are bound to run into NEC students enjoying a meal or a coffee in between classes. I recommend the Nonnas Lunch, the Pastoral Sandwich, the ginger lemon tea, the whole wheat everything bagel with jalapeo tofu spread, the 7-layer bar, and the apple almond square, but really you cant go wrong with your order.

We as NEC students are also blessed to be down the block from an Ethiopian restaurant. Yes, I DID say Ethiopian. Most of you have probably never tried Ethiopian food. If this is true, or if you have tried it, and are an Ethiopian food lover, I recommend you walk down to Lucy Ethiopian Caf, located on Mass Ave between Huntington Ave and St. Botolph Street. Upon opening the door to Lucy, one is assaulted by the most incredible aroma known to mankind! Although, I dont usually recommend ordering drinks in a restaurant, at Lucy, it is a must! They sell beverages that cant really be found anywhere else, including a sweet peanut tea and the traditional tea (which tastes like a really, really strong chai). They also have several excellent combo plates to choose from as well as some small side dishes. It is best to go there with friends and try several dishes, since each one is designed to compliment the others. Just know, that in Ethiopia, they dont use forks. Instead, they use a spongy bread called injera. Scoop up some lentils or collard greens with the injera and enjoy the foodgasm that is bound to follow! When you finish, you will feel extremely healthy! Ok, so I dont want to take up more than a page with this food stuff, so youll have to wait for next issue for more recommendations. If you cant wait that long, by all means contact me! Ill be happy to give you more ideas for places to eat. I may even eat with you if you get lucky.

The GourmeToBoist studies an instrument at NEC, but is mainly interested in finding new restaurants around Boston. You can send comments to TheGourmeToBoist@yahoo.com

Boston Record Store Review No. 1: In Your Ear

By Neal Markowski When I first came to Boston, I had a few things high up on my priorities list. At the top of the list, just below going to school, was to find as many record stores as I could in the area. Why? Well, as musicians, its not only important for us to listen to as much music as possible, but its also important for us to BUY music as often as we can. I could talk your ear off about the act of buying a physical record from a real person and how its ultimately more fulfilling than buying things off of iTunes, but Ill save the speeches for now. Instead, Im here to help you out by telling you about record stores in Boston. Hopefully after reading these next few articles, youll be interested and excited to go to a record store in the area! Store No. 1: Who? In Your Ear Records (Commonwealth Ave. location) Where? 957 Commonwealth Ave. Just across the street from the Pleasant St. T stop on the Green Line (B branch) and mere steps away from the Paradise (legendary Boston club) and Raising Caines (not as legendary [but still great] chicken finger place.) What? Records, tapes, CDs and more of all genres. Theres always a great selection of funk and jazz, along with a crazy assortment of world music albums. You can even find a whole slew of electronics for sale - turntables, keyboards, speakers and more! Why? Well, Im attached to In Your Ear for a bevy of reasons, mainly because Ive had so many good finds here in the past. My first visits to the store were lackluster at best, but soon, I discovered their Indie/Imports section (something I wouldve discovered had I looked straight as I walked in my first time.) Such great finds include LPs of Big Blacks Atomizer, the first Modern Lovers album, still sealed copies of The Ice Machine by Breaking Circus and the Masquerade single by the Fall for $2.99. I also found a mint copy of Steve Reichs Music for 18 Musicians that totally made my record-buying year.

Neal Markowski is a senior composition major. Send comments and questions about this article to Neal.Markowski@necmusic.edu. Visit his blog at http://neglectedrecords.blogspot.com/

Listen to the Penguins. Join us every Tuesday at 6:15 in Bistro 33. 4

ASK M...
Dear M, With graduation looming just around the corner, Im faced with the realization that its time to start making some decisions about my future. There are so many options and possibilities, and Im having a hard time narrowing them down to just a few pursuits. Should I stay in Boston and try to get a job, or should I move home to get back on my feet? Would it be smarter to take the time to become more financially stable rather than heading straight for a music career? Is it possible to do both? How can I expect to juggle loan payments while still trying to save for my future? Your advice is appreciated!

Dear Making Decisions, Your question takes me back to very specific moment in my own historya conversation over a long Saturday afternoon meal with Mr. M (before he held that esteemed title) about whether to return to school or continue on my professional path. I felt terrified that I would make the wrong decision, or botch the timing, or both. I could see the opportunities in my life narrowing (the image of a large steel door screeching shut surfaced regularly in my dreams), and I feared more than anything the feeling of regret. I stewed, and sweat, and processed. He listened attentively and then said quietly, I dont worry about you. But, I worried about me. I had spent the better part of a year worrying about my future, my abilities, what would and wouldnt work out for me. When I asked him what he meant, he said that these kind of engaged, probing conversations would help me arrive at the right stations in life. Making Decisions, asking these questions, seeking input, and thinking through all the possible answers (and then, of course taking action), will help direct you to the right station next year. I would suggest taking a few hours in a cafe you love, or favorite outdoor spot (weather permitting) and write freely about what kind of work makes you most engaged, what you need materially and spiritually to feel grounded, what environment (city, small town, access to nature, etc.) makes you feel most at ease, what kind of community--friends, collaborators and family--you need close by to feel supported. Then put the answers away for a few days. Push it out of your mind, and come back to the answers with fresh energy. If you can, find a friend or family member to share your answers with and get them to project back what they are hearing. When do you sound most excited? What do you sound most anxious about? I am certainly an advocate for financial stability, but you dont need to see stability as diametrically opposed to pursuing a life in music. You can hold a stable job and continue to build your body of performance experience, network of collaborators, and artistic capital. In fact, your stable employment and freelance work may come into contact and enrich one another more than you think. It will be tough, and you will have to work hard, but its possible to juggle both. I see students do it every year. Know that in your first year out of school, it will be hard to strike the perfect balance. You might find that youre investing more energy than you want in a job that isnt wholly fulfilling, or that you arent finding as much time as you need to develop artistically or pursue personal projects. But know that this will shift over time, and in not all that much time. As long as you check-in with yourself regularly, stay open to opportunities as they come, and stay positive about your prospects, that balance will come quicker than you think. We make dozens of small choices every day that subtly shape our professional and personal pathsthese choices sometimes lead us to big decision points, but its important to remember that we can keep carving away at our professional lives to reveal new shapes and directions. That is to say, the cluster of decisions you make at the end of this year wont determine the rest of your future, and if you find that it sends you down a path that you find undesirable, you can always course correct. And speaking of courses, think of the end of this year as just one leg of a very, very long race. Taking the long view will prevent anxiety laden dreams, or unproductive fretting--it will help you see clearly all you have and can accomplish through mindful action.

Best, M
Emmy, or M, is a fixture of the NEC community. Send your questions or comments to Ask.M@necmusic.edu.

The African-American Roots Ensemble and Me

By Michael Mayo Im walking to my first rehearsal with the African American Roots Ensemble, and I dont know what to expect. Im already late, and Ive missed the first 2 or 3 rehearsals, so Im expecting to have to play some catch up. Ive just come from a particularly boring seminar class and Im heading towards Jordan Hall 258 expecting to see people in their chairs listening to recordings of old Spirituals, preparing myself for a hopefully interesting lecture. Little did I know, however, that when I walked into the room, I would find the group stretching and breathing together, preparing to sing. I wasnt sure I was in the right place until I saw Nedelka, the ensemble director, stretching and jumping along with everyone else. Luckily for me, a stretch was just what I needed after the day Id had. The next 2 hours turned into 2 months, which turned into 2 entire semesters of one of the most positive musical experiences Ive ever had. Tuesdays at 7:00pm would start to become my weekly de-stressers, a way to clear out all the random stuff that managed to wriggle its way into my head. I would begin to find myself actually looking forward to ensemble rehearsal, a rarity for me. And as rehearsals started to become routine, the newness of it never truly went away. There was always something new, a freshness that excited me for next time. Time spent in rehearsal felt elastic, as though we could have sung all night and only 30 minutes would have passed. Before the AARE, Id forgotten what it meant to let myself go completely into the music, to feel it, to experience it not only through my own ears and eyes, but also through the ears and eyes of my fellow musicians, friends. We sang, danced, and learned about the African American journey from Africa and slavery through modern days. The music we sang reflected that journey, as we experimented with music of the Yoruba people to Negro spirituals all the way to neo-soul music. Nedelka truly helped each of us to find our own footing within the ensemble, helping us realize that the most important aspect of the music we were singing was unity. She thus created a community between us all, helping us to better understand the context in which we sang. She put us in the mindsets of the people we portrayed and was constantly aware of the musical journey that is creating and performing music with a group of people. Through her efforts, and through our own perseverance and mutual respect of one another and this music, the ensemble in turn was able to reflect that painful and inspirational journey. Returning to this ensemble will prove interesting, because I know and am prepared for a new journey, but I also know that that same energy will still be present, underlying.

Michael Mayo is a junior Jazz Vocal major. You can send comments about his article to Michael.Mayo@necmusic.edu

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The Penguin Staff
Co-Editor Co-Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Advice Columnist Faculty Advisor Faculty Advisor Neal Markowski Ryan Shannon Bryce Leafman Michael Mayo TheGourmetoBoist Emmy Thomas Handel Suzanne Hegland Neal.Markowski@necmusic.edu Ryan.Shannon@necmusic.edu Bryce.Leafman@necmusic.edu Michael.Mayo@necmusic.edu thegourmetoboist@yahoo.com Ask.M@necmusic.edu Thomas.Handel@necmusic.edu Suzanne.Hegland@necmusic.edu

Write for The Penguin! Drop us a line at thepenguin@necmusic.edu!

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