The University of North Carolina at Greensboro was the setting for the 1981 TS International English Horn Seminar. Dr. James Prodan, Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was the host and organizer of the activities during the week of July 20.
The master classes were both informative and inspiring. Mr. Stacy is a thoughtful and articulate teacher with a positive and encouraging approach. He stressed the basic aspects of playing the instrument -- tone production, breath control, projection, intonation, facility and vibrato -- and at the same time emphasized the importance of communication to the listeners. Classes were devoted to basic playing techniques and musicianship through etudes, solo literature and orchestral excerpts in addition to sessions on reed making, including individual appointments, and advice in preparing for auditions. The class setting was informal, and Mr. Stacy brought out the best in each participant as he pointed out both strengths and weaknesses.
The week opened with a recital by Mr. Stacy and Joseph Robinson, who was concluding oboe master classes of the previous week. It was an extraordinary opportunity to hear those two artists perform on the same recital.
Another highlight of the week was Mr. Stacy's performance of the Donizetti Concertino with the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra. It was quite a treat to hear him in a live performance. The class represented a variety of age groups and geographical areas. There were high school and university students, teachers, professional performers and some whose avocation is playing the instrument. Participants came from as far away as California, Newfoundland, Texas, and Florida.
A student recital on Wednesday evening featured both solos and ensembles and demonstrated the enthusiasm of the students there to immediately put into practice the concepts which Mr. Stacy had been stressing.
Concerto in A Minor for Oboe d'amore ......... Telemann
Siciliano
Allegro
Kathryn Rafalowski
Sonata .................................. Alain Banqwart
Improvisation
Fugato
Richard Krauchak
Sonata in D Minor ........................... Boismortier
Doucement
Allemande
Courante
Sally Reid
Pam Baity
Frances Estes
Sonata ........................................ Marcello
Andante
Allegro
Janet Coberly
Adagio, K. 580A ................................. Mozart
Neil Tatman
Six Studies in English Folk Songs ..... Vaughan-Williams
Catherine Tibbitts
Trio IV ................................... Henk Badings
Neil Tatman, oboe
Anne Tatman, oboe
Ray Bowling, English horn
In addition to the classes and recitals, there were other activities of note. A reed boutique was open daily -- one evening was devoted to reading chamber music; Frances Estes conducted a "cat survey" which revealed that English hornists love cats -- everyone there owned at least one cat with a total of 28 cats. The week ended with the entire class playing an arrangement which Neil Tatman made especially for the occasion, "Stars and Stripes for Stacy", which featured Thomas Stacy as soloist.
It was a week of fun and learning which I would highly recommend for any interested oboe or English horn player.