Toot your own horn at Public Practice

To paraphrase the old joke: How do you get to the Music Center? Practice!

This spring, that will be literally true because of a program called Public Practice, which provides amateur musicians with an opportunity to practice their instruments in outdoor public areas on the Music Center campus.

Register solo or as a duo by March 15 for two 30-minute daytime sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays in April.  Musicians must be at least 18 years old to participate.  Bring your own music and stands, but leave the electric guitar at home—this program is limited to acoustic instruments only. 

If you are concerned about your skill level, take a deep breath and dive in anyway. You are free to goof, improvise, bumble or noodle, and it doesn’t even matter if the instrument is totally new to you.  No matter how skilled (or unskilled) you are, you will be contributing to a soundscape comprised of all the musicians practicing simultaneously in the program.  Visitors can walk along the paths of the Music Center and experience the atmosphere you create.

Public Practice is in its 3^rd year. Past participants have enjoyed the opportunity to “take it up a notch” from their living rooms, bedrooms, and studios by playing out in the public. Many of those who practice form lasting friendships, and once the program has ended, all are invited to join in a dinner and discussion to share their experiences.  Bring your marimbas, trumpets, violas, harps and didjibodhráns.  We’ll keep an ear out for you.

Posted 3/3/11