Snyder’s Sandwich: An open mic for classical performers? - Wicked Local Sandwich
By Mark Snyder
Posted Apr 20, 2018 at 10:49 AM
Open Mic Classical is coming to town!
Open Mic Classical was co-founded and launched in 2015 by clarinetist Mónika Woods, winner of the Cape Symphony’s 2013 Soloist Competition, and amateur violinist and sculptor Robert Marcus, with Lucy Banner as their first collaborative pianist. Community outreach was by Ellen Adamson, and a great list of collaborative pianists has joined since, including Elizabeth Tipton, Anne Perrault, Sylvia Karkush Furash, Ana Glig, and Ben Healey.
It’s a new experience in classical music. The goal is to help our community’s musicians share their music with a friendly and supportive audience, an help them network and foster a community.
Are you a doctor with a classical horn habit, or an orchestra member who misses playing in small ensembles? Are you an aspiring young student who doesn’t ever get a chance to play with a pianist, but would like to develop your performing skills? Are you a composer eager to try out your newest work?
Dust off your flugelhorn, oil your keys, drink your raw egg, and come share your talent in an intimate and casual atmosphere. Admission is by donation, and classical musicians of all ages and levels are welcome. A pianist is available to accompany musicians upon request.
Open Mic Classical, which started three years ago in Brewster, is spreading its wings and expanding its outreach. A special Open Mic Classical event, in collaboration with the Sandwich Arts Alliance and with the help of Amy Lynn Barber, will be held May 20 at 3 PM at Sandwich Town Hall.
The featured guest performer on May 20 will be Trio Vivo & Klarinetista: Bruce Abbott (saxophone), Mariellen Sears (flute), Lucy Banner (piano), and guest clarinetist Monika Woods. Collaborative pianist of the day will be pianist Ben Healey.
Musicians of all ages and levels of experience, both singers and instrumentalists, are invited to come and perform. All you need to do is get on the list by 2:30 PM on the day of the event, and they will provide you a spot in our program.
Time slots are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Their goal is to have a 90 minute program, which will include a 10-15 minute intermission and a 20-30 spot for a featured guest performer.
Each performer will be allotted up to five minutes. If you want more than one time slot, you can sign up for up to two different slots if time permits. If you need a piano accompanist, please let them know at least one to two weeks in advance. Some easier pieces are accepted to sight read on the spot.
Rehearsal on the day of the event is at 2 PM. Performers with disabilities, as well as assistance dogs, are welcome.
All performers and the public are invited for a post event refreshment and networking time.
To request a sign-up sheet, visit www.openmicclassical.org or contact openmicclassical@gmail.com or call 774-353-0244.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Sandwich Cultural Council, Brewster Cultural Council, Harwich Cultural Council, and Orleans Cultural Council, all of which are local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
