All Posts by billalpert

Madame Butterfly field trip

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Butterfly, live in HD, on March 7

Join the Alpert Studio on Saturday morning, March 7 at the AMC Ontario Mills theaters to enjoy a live in HD broadcast of Puccini’s masterpiece Madame Butterfly, performed by the Metropolitan Opera.

We’ll meet at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby. The production is about 3 1/2 hours long, including two intermissions. We’ll likely do lunch at the mall afterwards!

We encourage all voice and violin students, families and friends, 8 years old and above to participate in this rare local event, direct from the Met! You’ll hear and see some of the best performers in the world.

Tickets ($18-22) are available at the door, or online.

Saturday, March 7, 2009 – Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby
AMC Ontario Mills 30
4549 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764
Telephone: (909) 484-3000

Here’s a synopsis of the plot. See you on Saturday!

Studio Stars Shine at Magic Kingdom

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Michael Sturgis and Cesar Quintero step it up a notch

Congrats to Alpert Studio students who participated in the March 1 Broadway Experience performance at Disneyland, including:
Maggie Anderson, Sabrina Bertic, Elysee Carreno, Marissa Henkel, Sarah Hinrichsen, Sarah Jackson, Hannah Meisser, Erin Moore, Kaitlin Orr, Christina Stratford, Zeke Gonzales, Ian Hewitt, Scotty Jacobson, Cesar Quintero, and Michael Sturgis

Here’s a slide show of images from the performance

Happy Valentine’s Day

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

The art of violinist Faith Ferry, Age 5.

A Happy Day full of Love to our entire student family!

Custom Made Chin Rests for Violin and Viola

By billalpert | Events , violin

The Alpert Studio, in association with Frish and Denig of Fairfax, Virginia, is proud to offer custom chin rest fitting.

A historical first in the string world, this unique fitting process is designed to enhance physical comfort and therefore, technique and sound. The Alpert Studio is proud to serve the Central Coast  California area.

In most cases, a custom fitted chin rest will eliminate or minimize the need for a shoulder rest, and will create a healthier, more intimate and more comfortable playing experience. Fitting is currently available for 4/4 and 3/4 size violins, as well as fractional instruments for kids.

For additional information, visit our chin rest page.

An exciting February

By billalpert | Events , Student News , Studio News , voice

February 3 – Ariel Fazekas will be performing with the Pioneer Jr. High Choir at Disneyland.

February 5,6,7 – David Nicholson will be featured in the Upland High School Production of The Fantasticks. Performances at 7:30 p.m.

February 13 – Broadway Experience performs at Disneyland

Friday, Saturday Sunday, Feb 20-22 – Honk Jr. the Musical Dessert Theater presented by Broadway Experience. Show times: Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday 2:00 p.m. Limited seating. Directed by Bonnie Kovar, Musical Direction by Brandon Alpert and Choreography by Cesar Quintero.
Tickets available in advance at Theatre Company.

February 26-27 – Los Osos High School’s Broadway Nights featuring Sarah Jackson, Maggie Anderson and Marissa Henkel. Tickets available at the box office and presale from students.

February 27-28, March 1 – Lindsay Rupp will perform Citrus College Musical Theater Workshop’s production of The Wizard of Oz.

Coming in March:

March 7 – Alpert Studio Students field trip to see the Met production of Madame Butterfly in live HD at one of our local theaters. Stay tuned for details.

Please remember to come out and support your fellow studio students in their performing endeavors.

Pure Joy

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Have you ever tried to play a violin outdoors in freezing weather? Playing a string instrument can be challenging under any circumstance, but a quartet of America’s finest concert artists rose to the challenge at the inauguration of President Obama. The performers braved the elements, actually playing their instruments, though they were playing along with their own prerecorded version of the piece.

Performing Air and Simple Gifts, a new composition by John Williams, were cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist Anthony McGill, pianist Gabriela Montero and the inimitable Itzhak Perlman on violin. This beautiful new composition truly set the tone for the event.

What’s it like to be a featured performer at one of the most historically significant moments in our nation’s history? Yo-Yo’s face pretty much said it all. When the music finally broke into that famous Shaker melody and the theme was passed to the cello, he was positively beaming. Catch the video on YouTube

Students Shine in January

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Sarah Hinrichsen, Michael Sturgis, Zach Jacobson

Danny Gurwin

January was a busy month for some Alpert Studio Students. Evan Weinmeister was featured in the Grove’s production of “On Golden Pond”, and Sarah Hinrichsen, Michael Sturgis and Zach Jacobson were selected to perform with the amazing Danny Gurwin in the Orange County High School of the Arts production of “Performing with the Pros.” Quite an honor! Congrats to all. You make me so proud!!!

Studio student at 2009 Rose Parade

By billalpert | Events , Student News , violin , voice

Hannah Meisser (right) sings at this year’s Rose Parade.

Hannah’s float won the President’s Trophy!

A gorgeous New Year’s day in Pasadena marked the first appearance of an Alpert Studio student in the illustrious Rose Parade. Student Hannah Meisser was selected to perform on the Sesame Street themed float sponsored by NAMM, the trade association of the music industry. The float also featured a violinist (not a common sight at the Rose Parade!) and was followed by the impressive Bands of America Honor Band.

Congrats to Hannah, on being selected for this honor. And Happy New Year to all!

Broadway Experience performs at WDW

By billalpert | Events , Studio News , voice

November 2008 marked the first Broadway Experience excursion to Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. The group was the only vocal ensemble from the western United States accepted to perform at the park’s annual Candlelight Processional. Sixteen Alpert Studio students participated in the event.

Here’s a slideshow of the group’s trip. Enjoy and Happy New Year to all!

How much practice makes perfect?

By billalpert | violin , voice

Malcolm Gladwell introduces Outliers: The Story of Success

After hearing the raves, I decided to pick up a copy of Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book: Outliers: The Story of Success. It’s a fascinating work, that traces the the appearance of some of history’s most famous, wealthy and notable people.

Early in the book, Mr. Gladwell makes reference to concert violinists, specifically those that have made it to the very top of the concert circle. They all share a common trait, which revolves around (yes, you guessed it) a significant amount of practice. If you want to know how much practice it will take to catch up with Joshua Bell, you’ll have to read the book! I heartily suggest you do, it’s a lot of fun.