Wintergreen- day 4

We're just about finished with day #4 here at Wintergreen- don't get used to blogposts this often-- we just happen to have a free evening, and after having thought about music all day, I'm done for at least an hour. Just enough time to get my internet fix =).

Each day is a whirlwind, and I have been enjoying every second of it. Yesterday started with another morning session, led by the incredible Michael White, who's standing at the front of the class in this picture:
The man is a genius, and everyone in the class loves him. My composer friends and I are the only ones under age 50 at that class. And oh my, it is incredible how we are treated like rock stars by all of the other people! They come up to us and practically worship us when they talk with us... it's a nice feeling I can't allow myself to get used to, since it'll cease after Aug. 1.
Here's 4 out of 5 of my fellow composers at the academy:
We are all sitting in the Evans center, awaiting the start of the opening concert. It was a fabulous show: a little music from Biber, Hadyn, Ligety, Webern, and Mozart... composers who cover a 400 year time span.

We've had a couple group classes with Larry Alan Smith, and yesterday Michael White talked to just us composers for 2 hours. This constant immersion in music has been the most inspiring, satisfying experience I've had in forever. I believe in the arts and that this is my career calling stronger now than ever before!

This morning started with a discussion with James Austin Smith, who happens to be the son of Larry Alan Smith. He's a oboe player who lives in NYC and is a member of ICE, the premier new music ensemble. He gave SEVERAL good pointers on how to interact in a positive way with performers, and gave several tips on actions to avoid when it comes to establishing positive connections in the music world.
For lunch we were treated to a special dinner with Dr. Prosl, ambassador from Austria to the U.S.A.... he's the man in the back of the picture speaking from the podium.


This afternoon we observed a rehearsal of Bowen McAuley Dance, in preparation for their concert tonight. One of their pieces is choreographed to a new work by composer Wolfgang Seierl, a composer from Austria who's here to teach us for the next 2 weeks.
The backdrop is a gorgeous picture of Vienna from a long time ago.

It's been so much fun getting to interact with so many people, and especially people who share so many similar interests. I feel right at home with all my fellow crazy music nerds!

I'll leave you with a couple more pictures to make you jealous you're wherever you are and not here. The first one is looking down on the main part of where we live-- the white spot in the middle of the picture is the Evans Center (large white tent where the concerts are at).
The second of these pictures is what a ski slope looks like in the summer time- the poles in the middle are artificial snowmakers I believe.