Even without the ability to physically visit partners like schools, senior centers, and hospitals in person, Houston Symphony musicians continue to provide community and educational engagement opportunities—including virtual classrooms.
Horn player Ian Mayton designed his high school sessions to work well in an online environment, providing next steps for students to continue on their musical paths at home.
What is it like to lead a horn class on Zoom?
I have centered most of my talks around online resources. I share some of my favorite recordings and instructional materials which were sources of inspiration for me when I started studying. It’s exciting to pass that torch on to students starting their own journey.
What are the new challenges that virtual classes pose?
It is definitely tricky to find ways to help students without being able to play alongside them! The main hurdles of virtual masterclasses are audio quality and lag. It is difficult to assess a student’s sound when they are performing, and it is basically impossible for two or more people to play anything together.
What have you been doing during the shut down?
I spend a few hours a day maintaining and sharpening my playing fundamentals. Periods without performing are a great time to take my playing “down to the studs” and experiment with things I want to improve. I hope to return to the stage a better player than when I left it. I have also been doing a lot more cooking, and I have been cultivating a sourdough starter to try baking some bread. I have also been enjoying more frequent long walks with my dog, Billy. He has been enjoying the extra attention since quarantine started!
Why is it important for an orchestra to provide community engagement opportunities?
It is one thing that makes working here so special. It is a privilege to share our experiences and knowledge with eager students throughout the community. Especially during quarantine, these classes serve as a great way to keep ourselves connected to the community even while we are not performing.
