Cellists of all ages enjoy #CelloYou experience

On Saturday, February 27, 22 amateur cellists of all ages enjoyed #CelloYou, a daylong experience that included rehearsals, workshops, a masterclass and performance with NJSO Principal Cello Jonathan Spitz. Associate Principal Cello Stephen Fang also coached and chatted with participants.

The cellists capped their #CelloYou experience with a Prelude Performance at NJPAC before Fang's solo appearance on the evening's NJSO concert.

Lori Smith, who has been playing cello for two and a half years, was one of the four participants who performed at the masterclass. “Being a lawyer, I have very little practice time, but I have wanted to play the cello since I was about 10. I just started playing a couple years ago, and I love it. My teacher told me about #CelloYou, and [the fact that it was billed] ‘for all levels’ was very encouraging. I was very glad I had the nerve to volunteer for the masterclass. [Spitz] gave me some really good hints, and I felt it was extremely valuable. I loved hearing Jonathan play; he has such a wonderful tone. It’s great to hear really good players close up and to feel what goes into their playing. It was really terrific.”

Chatting before the Prelude Performance, Smith was eagerly anticipating the chance to perform in the NJPAC lobby: “I’m amazed that in such a short time [the #CelloYou ensemble] sounds so good. There are some really terrific players here; it’s such a nice mix of people, and it will be a thrill to play in the lobby.”

Another masterclass volunteer, Kevin Valencia, 12, has been playing cello for a year and a half. “I wanted to do #CelloYou because I wanted to play with other people, and I [get to] have a principal cellist coaching me. I’ve really enjoyed it and learned a lot.”

Kevin’s mom, Dana, said: “#CelloYou has been a great experience. I think it will be a huge jump forward for Kevin’s playing and love of music in general. Being around musicians who all play [the same] instrument, he [could learn] not only from the coaches but also from the other [#CelloYou participants]—it’s a really nice mix [of adults and students.”

She relished the opportunity for her son to perform at NJPAC: “He just turned 12 last week, and the fact that tonight he will be opening for the NJSO is amazing—I still can’t believe it! I’m extremely proud he said he wanted to do this.”

Amateur musicians will have another opportunity to play with NJSO musicians this season; the NJSO invites instrumentalists to take part in the third annual #OrchestraYou pro-am session following the Orchestra's April 8 performance at NJPAC in Newark. #OrchestraYou is free to all ticketholders of the evening's concert. Learn more and sign up for #OrchestraYou!

Check out more scenes from #CelloYou: