We have incredible young musicians in our programs! From winning competitions to writing their own pieces, there is no end to the creativity of Elemental Music students.
This month, we are featuring Elemental Strings Chamber Orchestra violinist Sadie, who recently had the chance to perform with the duo Andrew & Polly at their McCabe’s record release show!
Elemental Music: When did you first start playing violin?
Sadie: I first started playing when I was five, almost turning six.
EM: How did you meet Andrew & Polly, and how did you start playing with them?
Sadie: I really liked listening to their music on the radio and it turned out they lived in Santa Monica. So I went to one of their concerts and got to meet them. After that, I would play along with their recordings – sometimes improvise the harmony parts, too. My mom took a video of me playing one of their songs and sent it to them. After that, they called me about three months before the show, and asked if I would play with them at their CD release concert at McCabe’s!
EM: How is playing in orchestra similar to playing with a band?
Sadie: I think they’re actually pretty different. Orchestra feels more formal and perfectionist. We have sheet music to read and we practice a lot to play perfectly what’s written on the page. Playing in a band, you rely on your teammates in improvisation to synchronize and line up the song together. There’s not as much practicing, but there’s a lot of listening and trying things out – like new ideas and harmonies. There was no sheet music for Andrew and Polly’s concert.
EM: Does playing in orchestra also help you when you’re playing with a band?
Sadie: Yes, playing in orchestra helps. Because in both of them, you have to be part of a team! You have to be aware of what the other musicians around you are doing. You have to block everything and everyone else out and focus on your own part. And you want to make sure that you do your best and not let the other players down. Also, if you’re in a big space like McCabe’s, you want to make sure you play loudly and let all of your body energy go into your instrument. That’s just like orchestra!
EM: Anything else you’d like to add?
Sadie: If you’re thinking about trying improvisation or a new style of music, don’t be embarrassed! What you play is what you’re feeling at that moment. Be brave and let the music guide your way. That sounds kind of cheesy (laughs) but it’s true. I also want to thank Andrew & Polly for the chance they gave me. It was a great experience – they made me feel respected, like I was an equal on the stage. It feels like this experience changed my musical life!