Summer Residency Building (Zoom edition) Feedback

When we weren't able to convene at NEC in June, Building a Chamber Music Residency moved online this summer, including three evening general sessions in July and a sequence of consultations with each of the three ensembles across July and August.

​I requested participant feedback, including 1. What, if anything, about this learning experience feels most relevant (matters most to you)? 2. Is there a specific instance that you can cite in which something that we talked about has catalyzed a change in your thinking or behavior? 3. ​What energizes you about this work? Here is a sampling of their written responses.

"​Our individual group meetings have been very productive. It's been nice to have a 'moderator' dissect our ideas and discussions that lead us in productive brainstorming."

"I feel like the word 'relevance' and your introduction and then reading Nina Simon’s book has really changed my thinking of what we are wanting to offer as an ensemble. That and the discussion of vulnerability and how to use that to our advantage."

"I'm inspired by the variety of ways that musicians interpret or think about residency work. There are so many incredible ideas out there and it's amazing to hear people speak about the things that they are most passionate about!"

"Our conversations always push me to think differently! I think a major change for me has just been to get really organized with our communications. I used to just 'come up' with something, but now I'm starting to see an overarching scope and how all the pieces might work together." 

"We are in the process of designing programs that can be utilized during the absence of live performances and that the importance of relationship building and cultivating was expressed throughout." 

"As much as I love the general conversation and brainstorming, I tend to get overloaded in settings like this. I've particularly enjoyed moments when we've gotten really specific, like the marketing calendar, fundraising goals, and breaking down our budgets really help me to feel like we are moving forward. The concrete steps feel important and good."

"As helpful as the discussions were about the logistical side of having an ensemble, like development, fundraising, and admin work, I think the most helpful and interesting work we did together was based off of language and how to have a solid understanding of our ensemble before going into logistics. I think our ensemble is a lot more complex than the typical chamber group, so I’m happy we had these 'therapy”' sessions where we all worked together to make sure our foundation was strong."