I played a wedding last weekend all by myself. It was quite fun! Typically the wedding gigs I play are in ensembles: quartets, trios, duets. So I was excited to do something all by myself. It definitely gives me a bit more freedom to perform pieces I want and have some more creative decisions with the order of ceremony. The bride gave me some general guidelines but apart from that I could play pieces I wanted. The venue for this wedding was the River Edge Bed and Breakfast in Lowell, MI. What a beautiful outdoor setting! I performed prelude music, Canon in D for the bride, and some recessional/postlude music. Blessings to the bride and groom! Today, I am off to perform at another wedding. This one is a violin/cello duet. So be on the look-out for a new blog soon. :D Larissa P.S. Below are some samples of different ensembles and what they may sound like if you are interested for an event. <3
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Here a some pics from a recent wedding I played with cellist Matthew Heyboer. Violin/Cello. I performed recently with Jordan VanHemert, saxophonist in his recital at Grace Episcopal church. Really cool times, classical/jazz violin in a small ensemble with sax solos. I love branching out a bit from just classical repertoire. Picture of program is below. Also, here is a YouTube video of Jordan and a project I was involved in a few months back. Not the same music we played in the 'Grace Notes' recital, but of similar nature. Larissa
Recently I took a fun vacation to Ireland! Here are some pics of some great street musicians who were performing in Galway. I bought two of their CDs. One is some music with a spanish flare, the other is acoustic guitar music. Love em! Saw some other wonderful street musicians there as well. When I walked by, this group was playing a tango. Makes me want to take my next vacation to Spain!
On Friday, April 20th, 2018 The Grand Rapids Symphony performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. I was able to go along. What a fun and memorable experience! Carnegie Hall is one of the most historic venues in the world for Classical Music.
Put all of your superstitions aside, Friday the 13th was a great day for me this month! I was able to go with a great friend and fellow violinist to hear renowned performer Ray Chen and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Fun Facts: DSO The DSO, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, first performed in 1887. In April 2011 the DSO launched 'Live from Orchestra Hall', it is the first free webcast series to be put out by an orchestra & "In 1934, the DSO became the nation's first official radio broadcast orchestra, performing for millions of Americans over the airwaves on the Ford Symphony Hour national radio show until 1942." -DSO website Ray Chen Ray Chen was born in Taiwan and raised in Australia. He plays the 1715 “Joachim” Stradivarius violin on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation. Apart from this great concert, we were also able to explore Belle Isle and the Detroit Institute of Arts. The DIA's collection is among the top six of museums in the United States, with about 66,000 works. "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
- Edgar Degas Just wanted to inform you of the last two orchestral concerts I will be performing in this academic year with the Holland Symphony Orchestra. I'd love to have you come.
1) Peter & The Wolf Family Concert Sunday, March 25 @ 3:30pm - Zeeland East HS 2) Classics III Holland Symphony Orchestra Friday, April 27 @ 7:30pm & Saturday, April 28 @ 3:30pm - Hope College Excited for this upcoming joint recital with two friends and colleagues. Join us at St. Cecilia Music Center on Monday, January 22, 2018 to hear the students of Larissa Fall - violin, Matthew Heyboer - cello, & Joshua Keller - piano. There will also be chamber music selections performed by the teachers and a small reception to conclude the evening. 7:30pm start.
The Imperfect Christmas Experience
I will be playing in the orchestra for the following services at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, Michigan. Check it out if you are in the area, or watch the live stream. Dates/Times: Friday, December 15 • 6:30 PM Saturday, December 16 • 6:30 PM Sunday, December 17 • 10 AM Location: Worship Center or Central Online Childcare: Childcare available for the 15th and 16th for 3 months-5 years Full Central Kids programming on the 17th for birth–5th Grade FUEL High School Christmas Party for 9th–12th Grade • 6 PM I was able to participate in a fabulous jazz recording session with Saxophonist, Jordan VanHemert and other talented musicians. Check out the film from this recording session. It was a blast to play this music! Film By:
Ariel Vincent Music By: John Klenner Arranged By: Jimmy Carroll Saxophone: Jordan VanHemert Conductor: Christopher Fashun Oboe: Aaron Wilbert Violin: Larissa Fall Violin: Becky Parks Violin: Madalyn Navis Viola: Claire Schaar Cello: Graeme Richmond Harp: Martha Waldvogel-Warren Piano: Ivan Akansiima Bass: Crystal Rebone Drums: Andy Wheelock Music Producer & Engineer: Ariel Vincent Assistant Engineers: Michael Pineda, Parker Billings, Miranda Craig, & Nils Fritjofson Camera Operators: Ariel Vincent, Ben Douma, Nils Fritjofson, Michael Pineda, & Parker Billings Filmed at Hope College in Holland, MI Equipment Provided by: Hope College Music Department & Hope College Communication Department For More, Visit: https://www.arielvincentmedia.com/ Check out the video on the Jordan VanHemert's Channel: https://youtu.be/3vRtXm1Mv_s This weekend I will be performing in the violin section for the Holland Symphony Orchestra - Classics II Concert. I hope to see some of you there. It is going to be fantastic!!
More info HERE. As some of you may know, Music Theory (the explanations and meanings about how music works, and the science and notations that explain it) really interests me. In college, music theory was somewhat of a challenge to me. Because it was such a challenge to me, I ended up taking more of an interest in it after college. I see now how vital this knowledge is for young musicians. I have grown passionate about incorporating music theory into every lesson I teach. No matter what age or level of my students, I try to include theory. To be a fully engaged and educated musician, it is important to understand the language of music. Understanding theory helps one relate to other instrumentalists in any genre or style. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of ‘I’m learning the violin’, and then only think about playing the instrument. In reality, being an instrumentalist is just one part of being a musician. Yes, you need to learn the intricacies of your instrument. But what about rhythm, scales, intervals, harmonies, chords, vocabulary, ear training and notation?
Recently I have found some more great resources to use during lessons. If you have questions about them, please let me know. For me, there will always be more to learn. This is somewhat intimidating, but also exciting! Happy Thursday everyone!! Larissa Last weekend I purchased some flowers at the Fulton St. Farmer's Market and had the urge to do something creative. Enjoy some pictures I took of my violin with these beauties.
On Thursday, August 17th I was able to see and hear The Piano Guys at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre with a dear friend. It was an amazing experience for two reasons, the setting & the performance.
First off, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a venue like none other! It is a venue built into the unique sandstone cliff formations just 15 miles west of Denver, Colorado. At 6,450 above sea level it is a zone between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, very different terrain than that of Grand Rapids, Michigan at 640 ft. above sea level. The land for the Red Rocks Amphitheatre was purchased in 1927 and formally dedicated in June of 1941 and has a capacity for 9,525 people. The rock formations are beautiful and at night you are able to see the city lights of Denver. During this particular concert, we even saw two shooting stars in the night sky! It was absolutely stunning. The cliffs are made of Aztec Sandstone. The stone is often red due to iron oxide - rust, and other minerals in the rock. As for the performance, The Piano Guys are one of those classically trained groups of musicians that are being innovative with their performances. I love that they use their knowledge of old and new and find a way to harmonize them together, literally and figuratively. They are not only gifted musicians, but they are also talented and funny stage performers sure to keep a captive audience. I was intrigued to find out that their group was formed as they tried to find new and interesting ways to sell pianos by creating YouTube videos of performances in unexpected places. What a great success story & what a great experience! Enjoy some pictures :) Larissa Hello Everyone!
Exciting news, I've been able to work with Ariel Vincent and Zhaojin Xiang on a recording session. If you would like to check it out go to the link below and scroll down to 'Classy Classical': https://www.arielvincentmedia.com/audio Larissa Fall, Violinist Zhaojin Xiang, Pianist Ariel Vincent, Recording Artist www.Larissa Fall.com www.ArielVincentMedia.com It's wedding season again folks! Remember to check out the string quartet I manage. We have some interesting events coming up. To learn more check out our blog.
Larissa Have you ever wondered what it looks like to change violin strings? Here is a snip-it. :D Larissa I can't believe it...we have ONE group class left in this semester and school year. Join me in Holland for music, games, treats, memories, and laughs. We will review everything you all have learned this year. $5 for this class. I hope you all can make it!
When: Friday, May 19 5-5:30PM Where: MidTown Center in Holland, MI Who: Miss Larissa's private violin students Recently I visited Paris, France & Rome, Italy. Enjoy some pictures of some of the street music I saw and heard.
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AuthorLarissa Brooks Follow my studio blog for tips, tricks, & performance updates.
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