As our esteemed Philharmonic Ensemble Director Philip Hough recently observed, "Every year, we see Saint David's boys begin a process which will, in fact, last for their entire lifetime. We want to encourage that beginning, and for them to feel what it's like to develop with an instrument, to experience beauty, and have something that will take them beyond a concert."
Mr. Hough was speaking about the depth of experience Saint David's boys have when participating in the Saint David's Philharmonic Ensemble. This opportunity is open to all boys in Grades Four through Eight who are able to read music, desire to participate, and are willing to commit practice time. While the concerts (including performing at Carnegie Hall every three years), are indisputable high points for our young musicians, a Saint David’s boy’s relationship with his instrument has a transformative element that goes beyond preparation for a performance and incorporates all aspects of curriculum. There are intellectual, aesthetic and active learning aspects to being a member of an orchestra.
The discipline and focus required to work through a particularly challenging piece of music is intellectually akin to the struggle of mastering a tough concept in math or science; as is the deep satisfaction when hours of diligent practice reward a young violinist with a beautifully rendered musical phrase. Boys experience beauty when the orchestra's different instruments gel in a harmonious whole and when the audience connects with the final musical piece as performed.
There is magic in that air.
There is also the community building element: The contributions of each orchestra player is unique. He and his instrument represent a singular point of view, a particular life experience essential in contributing to the whole. The instruments, along with their player, "listen to each other" and, in so doing, find common ground; they thrive on the connections they make and their interdependency. As the boys listen and learn from one another, they refine their individual contributions in order to better the final product for all. The players collaborate to create something far greater than any of their individual parts.
A citizen of the world appreciates that people are different and understands that there is much to learn from those differences. An orchestra teaches our boys this by example.
The pandemic may have required us to adjust our ensemble program to meet restrictions on boys' gathering, but we kept it going strong. Boys have rehearsed in smaller groups, continuing to learn their instruments and to experience the beauty and thrill of making music. We are now able to bring more boys together and eagerly anticipate the return to our in-person concerts this spring.
The school's music program is an exceptionally powerful tradition inspired by the classical philosophy of "balance in all things" that lies at the heart of a Saint David's education. Our boys find their inspiration and their unique talents in the pursuit of scholarship, when playing sports, in quiet reflection during Chapel, and just as equally, when exercising their creativity in the arts.
