| Re: Manny's in town!
Wilmer,
I agree with you. I thought the class was a huge success! It was great to finally meet you!
Manny is an amazing person and player. Listening to him buzz "Maria" from West Side Story, I thought I was listening to someone really singing, not buzzing. It sounded like the human voice! That gave me goosebumps.
I thought Manny's ideas had a very profound and sudden impact on each of the players involved, and I am sure they'll be talking about it for some time.
As for the timing of the class, I apologize to all who couldn't be there. Unfortunately, it seems that more and more orchestras are doing the "hit and run"-type tour thing. I litererally picked Manny up at the hotel 3 minutes after he arrived , and today he had rehearsal all morning, concert at 3Pm, and will leave from the hall to get to the airport to leave! I felt that he was TOO important of a player to pass up, and I believe, especially after last night, no one will disagree!
It was great to see so many "heavyweights" interested in the class. Seeing you, Jimmy Owens, David Krauss, and Jim Ross was fantastic!
Manny gave superb, individualized advice to each player, and even though he had been going all day, he even extended the class an extra 1/2 hour, just so he could hear everyone! In everything he played, and everything he said, you could hear the passion he has for music! I certainly gathered a ton of ideas to use for myself!
It was a great night! Thank you Manny Laureano!!! |