In this letter What the Nutcracker taught me about goals(and it's not "do fewer Nutcrackers"!) Just a few days ago I wasn't getting through the first act of Nutcracker without wincing. Tis' the season of holiday doubles with the Cincinnati Symphony: 6 rousing pops, 10 Nutcrackers in five days, 2 nerve impingements and 1... clarinetist down! Some of you are in the thick of 'gigmas' as it's called! My body, which generally has a pretty good amount of tightness from everyday playing, started...

In this letter Your inner voice is the key I'm giving you homework. Before you close this email in protest, read to the end! I promise it won't hurt too much. First of all, it's the kind of homework you do in fuzzy socks with a mug of something warm. It'll actually feel less like work and more like getting to breathe and feel. (Aka your nervous system gets a good rest)! Here's the assignment: Spend 30 minutes between now and the new year asking yourself what you actually want—not as a...

In this letter okay we kid, it's an articulation warm-up from Tad Calcara ...in honor of Thanksgiving. And probably a good one to do in between plans. Since ours is a quiet, low-key holiday, with concerts of Dvorak's 7th Symphony this weekend, I will definitely be trying this warm-up in between making the blueberry galette and sitting by the first fire of the season! Our featured clarinet guest of the month often shares their favorite go-to warm-up - and we are extra delighted that Tad, the...