UCHealth’s Post

Prescriptive rules vs guided adaptability. Guided adaptability isn’t about having NO rules. But it is about not having an insane amount of bureaucracy and overly complex requirements. It is based on the assumption with a decent, uncomplicated, basic level of compliance humans will come through using their adaptability, agility and resilience. Case in point. I wrote the following piece of music about a month ago. It’s for a full symphony orchestra (plus some extra instruments) and even if you can’t read music, you can see (and hear) all hell breaking loose around the midpoint from all the black notes on the screen. The thing is, I have only a high school music education and nothing like that compared with John Williams or Hans Zimmer, for example. I can’t name the chords and largely built the piece from imagination and by ear (listening). The outcome, I think, is quite good, if not better. In this case 40 years of playing instruments and observing those around me coupled with my basic theory in music provided me the guided adaptability for the exact outcome I desired. I though this may be a useful example - here’s the piece, enjoy and happy Sunday! #sms #newviewsafety #guidedadaptability #resilience #safetyresilience #complexity #music #composer #musicalcomposition

I was invited by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to attend a special rehearsal a couple of weeks ago. It was part of a special program to allow for up and coming Canadian female conductors to get experience with major orchestras so that they can grow their careers internationally. It was a joint project with Tapestry Opera. The TSO’s artistic director Gustavo Gimeno was on hand to listen and provide feedback to the 5 female conductors participating. For me I took away more than just being an opportunity to see an orchestra rehearse. I felt it had lessons to teach about company meetings and line reviews! Some lessons I think relate: Value your participants time in meetings: Gimeno was advising the conductors to edit and select the parts of the piece that most require rehearsing. Recognize that meetings must stay to their appointed length and not run over. Value your team: Repeatedly I heard Gimeno say, “You have a great orchestra here” and pay compliments and recognize that. Be Clear in your Direction: While as conductor you might be able to hear all the players, the players can’t necessarily hear all of them, so be clear in your direction to cue. You are their ears. Not everyone on your team knows the whole picture of a project, so be clear in what each member needs to do. Do not repeat sections that do not need to be re-rehearsed: You will lose your musicians engagement (staff) with repeating information that doesn’t need repetition. Be concise and focus on what is most needed to maintain engagement of your team.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲: 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭'𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 Imagine a single melody that soothes your soul, lifts your spirits, and rejuvenates your mind—this is the transformative power of classical music! Our latest Classics Count show features more musical treasures and two spotlight interviews with High Wycombe Choral Society and Hemel Symphony Orchestra. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭? 𝟏) 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬: Co-presenters Martin Clarke and Heather Harrison bring award-winning broadcasting experience and a lifelong passion for classical music. Their expertise ensures a high-quality and enjoyable listening experience for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers. 𝟐) 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Each weekly episode guides listeners through a captivating journey in classical music. From exploring a diverse repertoire to providing insightful commentary and featuring interviews with talented musicians, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn. 𝟑) 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠: Classical music can significantly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance concentration, and elevate overall mental health. Let the soothing melodies of Classics Count help you relax, unwind, and maintain a positive mindset. Don’t miss the latest episodes—stream them now and experience the transformative power of classical music. https://lnkd.in/ea74HHZP What’s your favourite way that music has improved your wellbeing? #Classicalmusic #Relaxation #Mindfulness

A few words about the work that we do in Choras Bel Canto and upcoming plans for this season by our Chief of Staff Gerda Valiukonytė.

Listen to the interview.

SYMPHONY NO. 1 My first full symphony, in four movements, composed from 2022-2024. The second movement is the only movement that is subtitled (as "Heubad"), and it is for divided strings. The rest of the symphony is for full orchestra, although percussion parts (aside from timpani) were deliberately not included in the work. The first movement is inspired by a number of things, with the central climax meant to represent the motion of the Zweihänder. The third movement is a scherzo, and the final movement provides closure on some of the thematic motions throughout. There was a work also known as a "Symphony" composed for wind ensemble; this has been changed to a sinfonietta, as it in its entirety was smaller in formal scope. I plan to eventually make a score video so that you are welcome to follow along with the music. https://lnkd.in/eCVCRFhw

4 Hacks that can Improve a Musician's Quality of Life [Bobby Owsinski] https://ow.ly/Gw2150RvQpj #MusicianLife #MusicianTips #MusicianHacks #MusicianWellness

For orchestra directors and concert planners. I've been doing some research. I don't have an enormous amount of data to go on, but, of the concert programmes I've managed to get hold of, which have included "Serenata" (the first movement of my Sinfonietta No.1 ("Silver")), more than 78% have used this piece as their concert opener. Some have included "Serenata" as a stand-alone work, some have paired it with the second movement, most have included the whole Sinfonietta. But so many have made it the first thing their audience hears. That tells me one of two things:- (a) they can't think where else to put it, or (b) it makes a great concert opener I know which I think! I'll put some links in the comments below for those not aware of the work. Check it out if you're looking for the ideal way to start your concert! #orchestra #youngaudience #classicalmusic

MOZART'S SYMPHONY 40 & 41: TRUE GREATNESS IS UNSTOPPABLE Nearly three years after Mozart's passing, his wife Constanze Mozart unearthed the manuscripts for Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, known as "The Great G Minor," and Symphony No. 41, also called "Jupiter," tucked away in a corner drawer; no other copies—just these single, handwritten manuscripts. Symphony No. 40 has become so universally recognized that even more than two centuries later, virtually anyone you meet on the street could hum its tune, no problem. To this day, the world's leading orchestras include these masterpieces in their annual repertoire, without fail. Had these compositions remained hidden, the cultural landscape we know today might have been markedly different. This story conveys two vital insights: 1) Never judge based on mere appearances or hearsay. Life is replete with surprising discoveries. 2) True greatness is unstoppable; it invariably finds its way into the world, overcoming any barrier. CULTURE LEADS > TECH FOLLOWS Happy 4/20!