An evening at the Symphony!

Tonight we attended the first Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra concert of the year which featured Project Trio. PROJECT Trio is a chamber music ensemble based in Brooklyn, New York. It consists of Greg Pattillo (flute), Eric Stephenson (cello), and Peter Seymour (double bass). Their extensive repertoire consists of original compositions and arrangements by the trio members that highlight their versatility by bridging several styles including classical music, jazz, hip hop, rock, Americana, and bluegrass. 

The concert was outstanding. The musicianship was incredible. The flautist did indeed “beatbox” on the flute (similar to, but better than, Jethro Tull, which was his inspiration as a teenager!), but also was an incredible classical player. The concert featured all sorts of music from many genres. Project Trio originally wrote or arranged all of the pieces that were played accompanied by the wonderful FSO. Our favorites were Beethoven’s 5th symphony, the William Tell Overture, and Peter and the Wolf. However their original piece, Cherry Blossoms, was haunting the beautiful. I would encourage you to definitely go see them in concert if you have the opportunity. You will not regret it. You can check them out on YouTube as well. 

I am jealous of Zach as Project Trio came to Flag High on Thursday and gave a clinic to all of the district band and orchestra kids. How cool is it that the boys have the opportunity to see and meet successful musicians who love what they do. Zach said they were really encouraging, inspiring, and fun! 

Earlier in the week, Ashton enjoyed going with his class to Flagstaff Snowbowl and learning to ski. Ash said it was hard at first, but the instructors were very good. So he said he got the hang of it fast. He said that there were “magic carpets” that would ferry them up the mountain learner area. He stayed in the learning area the entire day and says he wants to go back to learn more and get better. Although he did say his calves hurt the next day. So glad he had a fun time! Conversely, my skiing experiences were both huge disasters. I couldn’t move the next day on account of soreness and bruises from falling so much. Ha! I guess I should go with Ash and take lessons.