text: “My musical training and passion on the cello have always emphasized small chamber orchestra performance (groups from 13-10 musicians). Sharing this background with students at The Governor’s School for the Arts and other area arts programs has been a great joy for me, but in the past years, I have sensed a shift away from my own development, sacrificing my own growth for the time-consuming and complex needs of the students. This artistic neglect has affected my teachers and my skills as a cellist.
  With the help of the fellowship funds, I propose to reinvest in the exploration of my professional chamber ensemble performance skills by studying cello individually with Julia Lichten, while observing the rehearsals and day to day operations of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performs without a conductor and divides the conducting responsibilities amongst its members. This unique rehearsal process where the orchestra runs itself, coined The Orpheus Process™, allows for a more democratic artistic experience.
  Our area only supports small ensembles (3-6 people) and the mammoth forces of the Virginia Symphony (over 80). The chance to offer an ensemble like this, directed by a local musician with recent experiences involving the finest ensemble and its leaders could inspire many to continue programming for ensembles of this size, under this type of directions (without conductor), especially at the middle and high school level. Increased performances opportunities will reinvigorate the content I share with students. It is important for young musicians to see their leaders challenging and reinventing themselves. It will also present a change to reevaluate current practice and performance habits with a different musical authority, revitalizing my depleted artistic confidence and spirit.”
  “I was completely blown away by the generosity of my colleagues and their willingness to devote so much time to do this project right. Their dedication in making the first performance happen was amazing, but when everyone requested to perform the piece again completely donating their time, I was moved to tears. They believed in the concept and showed me I should perhaps not hesitate to do projects together in the future. In performing side by side with professionals, students were able to see their leaders challenging and reinventing themselves with such a unique music-making process. This revitalization of my musical spirit has given me a greater capacity to inspire and motivate the young minds of the Governor’s School for the Arts. The small chamber orchestra ensemble size is already apparent at my school, but the idea of it being conductor-less is something to consider for the future.”