Hello Blog!
As the semester comes to an end, it seems like everything is happening in a blur. I’ll be honest, when the semester starts speeding up, I start to lose all perception of time. From courses steamrolling ahead to the end, ensembles preparing for final performances and exhibitions, and just the quantity of on-campus events to attend, it can sometimes feel like I’m pinballing from one activity to the next. I’ll be taking this blog post as an opportunity to slow down and reflect on some highlights from my last few weeks.
Last week, the French department hosted a classical music concert with violinist Marina Chiche and cellist Blaise Dejardin. This was such an incredible concert for me to attend because Blaise is the principal cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Actually, the first classical music concert I ever attended was a group of four cellists from the BSO organized by him. It was a very full circle moment for me, and I even got to speak to him after the performance. There was also a very nice reception afterwards with lots of hors d’oeuvres and mingling.
I’ve discovered yet another new place on campus! On the 4th floor of Clapp (our main library on campus) are the Archives, which house all of the important materials that have to do with the history of the college (and other miscellaneous history? I’m not completely sure). The historian of the Guild of Carillonneurs organized a little field trip for us where we got to look at all of the old documents relating to the Guild. We got to see initial correspondence with the president, old concert programs, receipts for the purchase of the actual bells, newspaper articles, and more!
The Ruhlman Conference at Wellesley was this past Wednesday. My dear friend Joanna (who is also the pianist in my chamber music trio) decided to do a senior thesis in music. She researched and composed an original string quartet inspired by Korean folk tunes, and I played in the world premiere! Although I’ve loved my CMS groups these past two years, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed being in a string quartet. It’s my favorite type of ensemble – I just love being able to talk through phrasing, bowings, and tone with people who have a similar instrumental understanding. I feel so lucky to have been trusted with the piece and to work with Jo’s other friends to bring it to reality!
Finally, a Wellesley College Spring blog post would not be complete without the goslings. We have 8 new fluffy friends on campus who have become instant celebrities. A day does not go by where I don’t see them featured on someone’s instagram story. It’s a tell-tale sign of Spring, and a highlight of any day!
Until next time,
Jade <3
jo & i <3
bells spam from 1976