Transitions
- Irene Feher
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
As I move from summer to fall, I’m doing all I can to savor every last bit of warm sunshine and blue skies with a heart that is happy, wistful and excited. There is the letting go of a slower schedule and long hours spent outdoors in nature. A weary city dweller, I can admit to my feelings of dread as I see the skyline of Montreal. Before I know it, I am in the rush of public transportation navigating rushing commuters, tired parents with agitated children, construction sites, and traffic. The noise of the city feels especially jarring when I first come back from the countryside but I know I will gradually become accustomed to it all again. As I receive announcements for concert lineups this fall, I am impressed, and frankly a bit overwhelmed) by the plethora of choices there are. As my schedule starts to ramp up, I anticipate the excitement of the new academic year, meeting new students and beginning the process of sharing vocal techniques and improvisation. I am excited about all the new music I will learn while satiating my curiosity for learning new approaches to teaching and facilitating.
Transitions can be complex in life and in music. My modus operandi this year is to go gently, to listen, to move with the flow of change as I find my way back into the faster rhythms of life, As I maintain a steady pace - the grounding pulse that holds meter and rhythm together - I can remain open and thoughtfully receptive to the needs of others.
I can’t help but think of one of the challenges when drumming with a group of fellow amateur drummers: to hold that steady pulse and not speed up, and to be a master of what you can do at a speed that works. If I try to play beyond my capacity, I will affect not only myself but all the other players around me.
Here is a poem I wrote this last spring. I was inspired as I listened to people walking by:
Rhythm Walkers
Swish, boom, swish, swish, boom
Ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta…
kutuk, flouff, kutuk, flouff, kutuk, flouff
I stand on the Metro platform
Waiting for my train
I listen to the rhythm walkers
As they go by
Winter boots on tile
Jacket materials rub in style
Heel toe click
Bag handles tick
Fast and steady
Whhhhffffffsssshhhhhhh
The train arrives
Enter new rhythm walkers
Summer Memories!
I hold on to what I gained from my experiences this summer. One of my biggest takeaways is how the power of intention and genuine caring enriches the experience of improvising with others - I learn so much from each person I play with.
I loved looking at these pictures from Art of Improvisation.
Melodies of the River!
We had an extraordinary time on the lower south shore of the St. Lawrence River in St-Jean-Port-Joli! Congratulations to Suzanne Giasson who has successfully completed four years of Music for People’s Musicianship Leadership Program. Suzanne is a sensitive musician, and a gracious facilitator and host.
Being surrounded by nature calmed and inspired us. It was amazing to see how quickly the 12 of us connected - we played lots of improvised music, we danced, we played in nature, and we even swam.
Our improv concert inspired by words and poetry about the sea was well attended and well received by the community of St-Jean-Port-Joli, which is a hidden gem!
Here is a link to a wonderful video prepared by Suzanne! I hope you enjoy it and even consider joining us next summer! (date to be confirmed)
Yes! Let’s Connect Through Music Improvisation This Fall!
Please check out my website for new and exciting projects coming this fall!
To Register for any of these events go to: What’s Coming
