Thursday August 9, 2012

BELLOWS FALLS -- Registration is open for Eugene Friesen’s String Institute, Aug. 16-19 in Bellows Falls, Vermont, featuring special guest presenter/performer, Emmy Award-winning pianist and composer Steven Schoenberg.

Now in its fifth season, the String Institute is an intensive, small-group workshop for string players as well as other classical musicians who are interested in exploring improvisation. Grammy Award-winning cellist Friesen will lead a transformational weekend of classes and improvisations in Emmanuel Episcopal Church (the "Stone Church"), as well as other locales in arts-friendly Bellows Falls.

The String Institute program includes class and private instruction, audio and video recording and evaluation, introduction to contemporary practice technologies, custom study materials, performance opportunities, jam sessions, and ensemble work, discussions, great food, and camaraderie with musicians from around the globe.

The weekend will feature a Friday afternoon workshop and evening Stone Church concert with Friesen on cello, pianist Steven Schoenberg, and selected camp participants demonstrating the excitement and possibility of improvised music in many forms.

Says Friesen, "The 21st century calls for a new breed of musical artist. Whatever a player’s background -- classical, bluegrass, jazz, Celtic or Old Time -- contemporary culture demands musicians who are creative and collaborative. Musical

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art is born from a time and place, and while an awareness of the traditions and customs are intrinsic to our approach, we believe that innovation in the service of musical communication is an indispensable value. There is unique music in each of us, the goal is to reveal that music in you."

Friesen’s new book, "Improvisation for Classical Musicians: Strategies for Creativity and Expression," just published by Berklee Press and distributed internationally by Hal Leonard Corporation, is the first text specifically written for classical musicians exploring the world of improvisation.

Said a past participant, "Eugene’s String Institute was the best pure music-making I have experienced in many years. His openness, depth of knowledge, and mastery of the cello led everyone to unlock doors to personal expression that will stay open for a long time. This weekend was a gift."

For more information and registration materials, visit www.celloman.com, or call 802-380-0032.