Did you ever take classes at the Eastman Community Music School? Well, even if you didn’t, everyone’s welcome to the School’s annual “Holiday Homecoming” this Saturday (Dec. 17).

The celebration includes concerts in several different locations around Eastman, starting at 9 a.m. and going till about 6:30. They’re free and feature ensembles of all ages, from middle school through adult. And you can enjoy all types of music, like holiday favorites, jazz, musical theatre, and classical, and all types of instruments: guitar, trumpet, hammered dulcimer, flute, harp, marimba, trombone, saxophone, cello, and the human voice.

Check out the online schedule, and stop by and enjoy the performances. If you’re not a student yet, you might just want to start some classes next month!

Runs from August 13-18th at the Fairgrounds in Palmyra, NY. Events include races, animal exhibits, live music groups, delicious selection of food vendor booths, crafts, demonstrations, rides, and simply fun for all ages!..... Read More

Beloved by generations, the The Nutcracker is a timeless tale that inspires remembrance and nostalgia. This week, RPO Principal Clarinetist Kenneth Grant (The Robert J. Strasenburgh Chair) joined us to share some of his own Nutcracker memories:

My funniest Nutcracker memory was in Columbus, OH, when we did 22 every year. We would lift the pit up to stage level for the overture for each performance. One time, a cellist was leaning back in her chair and when the pit got near the stage lip it caught the scroll of her cello, driving the end pin into the floor. This snapped the neck of the cello, sending pieces of wood into the wind section. As this was occurring we began the overture.

Another time, I forgot to switch clarinets for Le Chocolat.