Popular Post TownerFan 4,983 Posted September 20, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted September 20, 2018 The Maestro talks about his relationship with the USC Thornton School of Music. Interesting, albeit too short! Miguel Andrade, SteveMc, Will and 4 others 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karelm 2,913 Posted September 20, 2018 Share Posted September 20, 2018 Very cool! He does have a long history at USC and I was at the rehearsals of that concert he mentions. A thrill of a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor 7,504 Posted September 20, 2018 Share Posted September 20, 2018 That's a great promo video for the school to have, even if Williams never attended the school himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post karelm 2,913 Posted September 20, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted September 20, 2018 Here are some photos from the rehearsals he mentioned for those interested. Two videos at the bottom of this post too but I can't figure out how to make them previews. JWatUSC-ET1.MPG JWatUSC-Trumpet1.MPG SteveMc, Incanus, Once and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmarps 217 Posted September 20, 2018 Share Posted September 20, 2018 Amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post karelm 2,913 Posted September 21, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2018 Some personal recollections. JW was incredibly gracious and professional. For instance, the orchestra would tune up at 10am and exactly after they tuned up he walks on stage ready to get to work. No lengthy talk, straight to the point and music is playing at 10:01. He had tons of anecdotes as most great musicians do. He mentioned speaking with Steven (Spielberg) earlier that day on a new film they were working on (it was Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) and we were all wowed. He said something about having the same expectations of the school orchestra as he would any orchestra and immediately jumped in to the music. The students were all excited and nervous as you would imagine but he immediately made everyone feel at ease with his gentle approach. He certainly didn't call out each issue or mistake. The obvious ones, the players knew already. There was a lot of focus on balance. Who needs to be louder or blend better and it was always stated with tact. "Trumpets, this is your moment" or "I invite you to play out that flute solo and I will wait for you" sort of things. It was completely natural so you know this was just the type of person he was. We had many opportunities to talk with him and engage him yet he was also somewhat off limits. The general impression I got was there was a specific time he is available to be approached and otherwise give him his space if that makes sense. The musicians adored him and fully respected and understood this was a major moment in their life. I do remember he made a very gracious gesture to another student, basically signed a letter of recommendation. The student looked shell shocked in disbelief "I just got his signature endorsing me". I don't recall who this was and didn't read the letter other than appreciate the momentous occasion that had just happened to this lucky fellow. He will forever have JW's personal endorsement of him. Then at the concert, it felt like a rock concert. The ovation was tremendous with plenty of hoots and hollers and must have lasted 10 to 15 minutes. He even stood aside for some of the applause to recognize the soloists and orchestra. Even the horn soloist, Jim Thatcher was star struck and nervous. I also recall the first time I spoke with him backstage, I was incredibly nervous. Couldn't look him in the eyes. His trailer was just 20 feet away from the back door entrance. He approached swiftly with baton and scores in his hand. I remember him looking larger than I expected, broader shoulders and strong. I said something very stupid I'm sure but as the week progressed, he became a little bit more familiar sight and more comfortable to approach. I am sure this was all in my head. We had a few exchanges including pictures and advice for musicians and composers. Once, Joni Wiljami, Omen II and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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