Civic Orchestra of Chicago musicians train and perform virtually in 2020/21

This season, members of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago — the CSO’s prestigious program for early-career musicians — continue their training through virtual opportunities for professional development, mentorship and performance.

So far in 2020/21, Civic members have participated in workshops via Zoom with presenters including Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra alumna Barbara Butler, the International Contemporary Ensemble and Noa Kageyama, a specialist in performance psychology and founder of the Bulletproof Musician blog and podcast. In January and February, Civic musicians participated in mock auditions coached by CSO musicians.

In addition, CSO musicians who typically lead rehearsals for instrument sections of the Civic Orchestra are now mentoring Civic members in studio classes held over Zoom. According to Civic horn player Kelsey Williams, a silver lining to this difficult year has been the opportunity to spend more time with the horn section’s coach, CSO Associate Principal Horn and Civic Orchestra alumnus Daniel Gingrich. “He’s a wonderful person who really cares,” Williams said.

Civic bass Lindsey Orcutt is one of several musicians who serves as a mentor for music students from Amundsen High School through the Negaunee Music Institute’s school partnership program. Orcutt had already met some of the Amundsen students through previous Civic activities, such as the annual Bach Marathon, when her chamber ensemble performed at their school. During this virtual season, “getting to connect with these high school students has been great,” she said. “It’s nice to see their friendly faces.”

As one of the Civic Fellows — a select group of Civic musicians who engage in additional professional development activities — percussionist Joe Bricker participated in a virtual songwriting project earlier this season. Former prisoners and young people in the United Kingdom joined workshops co-led by the Civic Fellows and the Irene Taylor Trust last fall.

In January, the Civic Orchestra premiered a free series of performances for CSOtv, filmed at Orchestra Hall and beyond. Bricker has performed in several of these programs and, with the other Civic Fellows, curated the repertoire for the second episode, titled Shared Reality. “It is an incredible treat and privilege, during a global pandemic, to be able to play live music,” he said.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities that the Civic Orchestra of Chicago provides.” - Joe Bricker, percussionist and Civic Fellow