We are slowly trucking along at getting clips of our repertoire added to the website.
Here are some new additions:
A Hard Day's Night by The Beatles
In My Life by The Beatles
Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley and Vera Matson
Tango Number 1 by Michael McLean
The Prayer by Sager and Foster
Top of the World sung by The Carpenters
You Raise Me Up by JB Graham and Rolf Lovland
You can also access these clips by clicking on our "Repertoire" page and scrolling down to find the title of the song you like.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
An evening at the country club
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| Picture from http://www.theclubatspurwing.com/the-club-house |
The pictured photo was NOT from the wedding, however it IS from Spurwing's website and demonstrates the building's beautiful patio views.
We enjoyed the warm evening by beginning our musical set on the North patio (shown above) during the cocktail hour. The couple was married at the Cathedral of the Rockies, and arrived afterward to enthusiastic announcements by Adam, the DJ. While the dinner was being readied inside, guests enjoyed fruit and mixed drinks while enjoying our music and the scents of Spurwing's blooming flowerbeds full of hydrangeas and petunias.
Then dinner was served, and we moved inside to play for the 45 minutes until the reception events began (toasts, cake cutting, and dance-floor shenanigans).
We played a mixture of light classical and baroque pieces like some sections of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Rondeau by Moret, along with more modern, cheerful pieces like Diane's arrangement of Kokomo, the romantic La Vie en Rose, and the saucy Makin' Whoopee.
One of our favorite moments from the gig was when a toddler flower girl, dressed in a prim white dress and a little string of pearls, sat in a chair in front of us and stared while we played. She waved her arms in the air occasionally, like she too was bowing an instrument. Then there was the middle-school-aged young man in a full suit who had to stop to talk to Dave about how his friend plays the cello and let him pull the bow across a string once. The most fun parts of a gig aren't always about the music. :)
Monday, July 21, 2014
Music Jokes!
Sometimes, in the muggy, smoky, Treasure Valley heat, you just need a good giggle.
So, here are some string-quartet-related jokes to bring you a smile:
Q: What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
A: Nothing. Violins look smaller because violinists' heads are so much bigger.
Q: Why is a cello solo like a bomb?
A: By the time you hear it, it's too late to do anything about it.
Q: How do you tell the difference between a violinist and a dog?
A: The dog knows when to stop scratching.
Q: What is the latest crime wave in New York?
A: Drive-by viola recitals.
Q: What's the difference between a viola and a trampoline?
A: You don't have to take your shoes off to jump on the viola.
Q: What's the definition of a string quartet?
A: A good violinist, a bad violinist, an ex-violinist, and someone who hates violinists.
Q: What do a cello and a lawsuit have in common?
A: Everyone is happy when the case is closed.
Sources:
http://www.cello.org/heaven/silly/jokes.htm
http://suewidemark.com/violinjokes.htm
http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~dufour/HUMOR/music.html
So, here are some string-quartet-related jokes to bring you a smile:
Q: What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
A: Nothing. Violins look smaller because violinists' heads are so much bigger.
| From http://cheezburger.com/6717595904 |
Q: Why is a cello solo like a bomb?
A: By the time you hear it, it's too late to do anything about it.
Q: How do you tell the difference between a violinist and a dog?
A: The dog knows when to stop scratching.
Q: What is the latest crime wave in New York?
A: Drive-by viola recitals.
Q: What's the difference between a viola and a trampoline?
A: You don't have to take your shoes off to jump on the viola.
Q: What's the definition of a string quartet?
A: A good violinist, a bad violinist, an ex-violinist, and someone who hates violinists.
Q: What do a cello and a lawsuit have in common?
A: Everyone is happy when the case is closed.
Sources:
http://www.cello.org/heaven/silly/jokes.htm
http://suewidemark.com/violinjokes.htm
http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~dufour/HUMOR/music.html
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Art Sip
The members of Prism just arrived home from our gig for the Meridian Arts Foundation.
We got to perform for Art Sip 2014 - an event at the Something Special Antiques garden in Meridian, Idaho. Beside a huge, historic home that has been converted to an antiques shop, tables and canopies were set up in the grassy yard. There, guests could purchase a ticket and enjoy a silent art auction, food and wine by local artisans, a chalk art contest, skits from members of a local theater company, and of course, music from Prism.
We played from 6-9 with the occasional break for snacks, announcements, and for the theater group's dramatic reading of a portion of Charlotte's Web.
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| Tolleth House (From wearehistory.com) |
In the 95 degree heat, we had to re-tune often (since temperature very strongly affects string instruments). But, we soldiered on and had a wonderful time. A few people even danced to our music...
Since our last gig, the backyard wedding, included a lot of fun, well-known songs, we played many of the same tunes. However, we also added some other fun pieces, like Music of the Night/Phantom of the Opera, The Pirates of the Caribbean, and a charming rag called Country Club.
For more information about the new Meridian Arts Foundation, visit their website at http://meridianartsfoundation.blogspot.com/. They also work closely with the Meridian Arts Commission, and are working hard to grow their organization so they can help more people access great art, music, and theater events in Meridian. They also fundraise so that they can soon provide grants to great arts programs or groups who need support from the community.
Visit them, or Something Special Antiques, and to support the arts in Meridian!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
What's an outdoor wedding without sprinklers?
The temperature in Boise ID on Saturday was a toasty 96 degrees Fahrenheit, but that wouldn't stop Prism from helping a couple enjoy their wedding!
The wedding during which we performed on Saturday evening was a great example of how you don't have to rent a huge venue to celebrate a beautiful, heartfelt marriage. We got to play in the dappled shade of a tree in an immaculately landscaped backyard while the couple was married under a simple tulle-draped arbor in the company of about 30 close friends. Guests sat under a white canopy, and the tables were decorated with purple flowers.
We played for the prelude before the ceremony, 3 songs for the ceremony itself, and then for about half an hour afterward while guests mingled, pictures were taken, the caterers set out their dinner fare, and the dance DJ set up his sound system. (Many people like to have the mellower, classical feel of a quartet before and during the ceremony, but then want to be able to get jiggy on the dance floor later. Having both a quartet and a DJ is a great option!)
This couple won our services at an auction put on by Saint Luke's Hospital, and we were happy to be able to share their big day. They wanted some classic tunes before the ceremony, but liked a lot of Diane's arrangements of well-known songs. So, we played some classical favorites like Rondeau by Mouret, Hornpipe from The Water Music by Handel, and some Canon in D by Pachelbel (the bride entered to that piece). But, we also played tunes like Happy Together, Can't Help Falling in Love, Anything Goes, Kokomo, Got to Get You Into My Life, and Aquarius. The bride even exited to Enya's popular song, Orinoco Flow.
About half-way through the ceremony, the neighbor's sprinklers came on and gave us a light mist and the occasional spray over the fence. We have to be very careful about water and our instruments. But, in yesterday's heat, it was a refreshing (if unexpected!) treat as we performed. :)
The wedding during which we performed on Saturday evening was a great example of how you don't have to rent a huge venue to celebrate a beautiful, heartfelt marriage. We got to play in the dappled shade of a tree in an immaculately landscaped backyard while the couple was married under a simple tulle-draped arbor in the company of about 30 close friends. Guests sat under a white canopy, and the tables were decorated with purple flowers.
We played for the prelude before the ceremony, 3 songs for the ceremony itself, and then for about half an hour afterward while guests mingled, pictures were taken, the caterers set out their dinner fare, and the dance DJ set up his sound system. (Many people like to have the mellower, classical feel of a quartet before and during the ceremony, but then want to be able to get jiggy on the dance floor later. Having both a quartet and a DJ is a great option!)
This couple won our services at an auction put on by Saint Luke's Hospital, and we were happy to be able to share their big day. They wanted some classic tunes before the ceremony, but liked a lot of Diane's arrangements of well-known songs. So, we played some classical favorites like Rondeau by Mouret, Hornpipe from The Water Music by Handel, and some Canon in D by Pachelbel (the bride entered to that piece). But, we also played tunes like Happy Together, Can't Help Falling in Love, Anything Goes, Kokomo, Got to Get You Into My Life, and Aquarius. The bride even exited to Enya's popular song, Orinoco Flow.
About half-way through the ceremony, the neighbor's sprinklers came on and gave us a light mist and the occasional spray over the fence. We have to be very careful about water and our instruments. But, in yesterday's heat, it was a refreshing (if unexpected!) treat as we performed. :)
Friday, June 27, 2014
We have RECORDED!
As it turns out, recording a string quartet is not that difficult.
But, figuring out the software to manage the recording, splitting the music into pieces, converting the music into playable files, creating a video to accompany the music so you can upload it to youtube, creating a youtube channel and then using it to upload your files (all of which default to the title "Ashokan Farewell," for some reason, and have to be manually changed), and FINALLY linking the youtube videos to your website.... IS A PAIN!
However, pain is beauty, so people say. And music is beautiful... so it is all worth it in the end.
Now, we have a freshly minted Repertoire page (in the horizontal upper menu bar), plus links on that page to some of the songs we were able to record at our last rehearsal. Each link will open a new window in which youtube will play a clip of the song. Someday, perhaps we will venture into the realm of an actual recording studio. But for now, April's amazon.com microphone in Dave's basement and her downloaded-for-free-off-the-internet audio/video software will have to do. :)
To celebrate, click here to listen to our hefty clip of us performing one of our very favorite pieces, the Tango Chromatique by Mike McLean.
But, figuring out the software to manage the recording, splitting the music into pieces, converting the music into playable files, creating a video to accompany the music so you can upload it to youtube, creating a youtube channel and then using it to upload your files (all of which default to the title "Ashokan Farewell," for some reason, and have to be manually changed), and FINALLY linking the youtube videos to your website.... IS A PAIN!
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| From Sheetmusicplus.com |
However, pain is beauty, so people say. And music is beautiful... so it is all worth it in the end.
Now, we have a freshly minted Repertoire page (in the horizontal upper menu bar), plus links on that page to some of the songs we were able to record at our last rehearsal. Each link will open a new window in which youtube will play a clip of the song. Someday, perhaps we will venture into the realm of an actual recording studio. But for now, April's amazon.com microphone in Dave's basement and her downloaded-for-free-off-the-internet audio/video software will have to do. :)
To celebrate, click here to listen to our hefty clip of us performing one of our very favorite pieces, the Tango Chromatique by Mike McLean.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
A Recording Microphone!
You may have noticed that we don't have any recordings of us playing music on our website.
But, this may change over the summer! April has just purchased a recording microphone (which will arrive in the mail within the next couple of weeks).
Recording takes a lot of time and energy, but by the end of the summer we could have some snippets of our favorite pieces up on this blog for you to enjoy.
Wish us luck!
But, this may change over the summer! April has just purchased a recording microphone (which will arrive in the mail within the next couple of weeks).
Recording takes a lot of time and energy, but by the end of the summer we could have some snippets of our favorite pieces up on this blog for you to enjoy.
Wish us luck!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Look at that lovely lawn.... missing a QUARTET!
Is something missing from this lovely lawn?
Prism thinks so.
This lawn needs..... a string quartet!
Now that spring has sprung, the flowers have begun blooming, and we can actually wear the occasional short-sleeved shirt outside, it is a great time to plan outdoor events.
Weddings, engagement parties, anniversary parties, themed dinners, birthdays... anything can be made more lovely with some live music.
This lawn needs..... a string quartet!
Now that spring has sprung, the flowers have begun blooming, and we can actually wear the occasional short-sleeved shirt outside, it is a great time to plan outdoor events.
Weddings, engagement parties, anniversary parties, themed dinners, birthdays... anything can be made more lovely with some live music.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
So serious....
You may remember that Prism played for Dave's son's winter wedding a couple of months ago.
Well, now we have official photographic evidence of it! Here is an official picture of our gig at the Cloverdale Church of God in December:
And, as a small note, we don't always dress in full black for weddings. :) They wanted Dave in a tuxedo, so our black ensemble (pun intended!) is what matched the best. But, let us know and we can dress in whatever way will fit your occasion!
Well, now we have official photographic evidence of it! Here is an official picture of our gig at the Cloverdale Church of God in December:
And, as a small note, we don't always dress in full black for weddings. :) They wanted Dave in a tuxedo, so our black ensemble (pun intended!) is what matched the best. But, let us know and we can dress in whatever way will fit your occasion!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Diane is at it again!
Diane is not only a mom and a full time nurse, but she also loves to take great pieces of music and re-write them for our string quartet! (This is called arranging.) At our rehearsal last night, we got to play 3 new pieces that Diane arranged for us. The pieces are: Kokomo by The Beach Boys; A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston for the movie Cinderella; and Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. We played through all three, and are excited to rehearse them more thoroughly so we can play them at any upcoming gigs.
We really need to finalize our Repertoire page and publish it so that you can see all of the great music we have to play, shouldn't we?
While we organize that, you should definitely listen to the Adagio for Strings. Samuel Barber wrote it in 1936, and ever since then it has been very popularly played at concerts and used in tv shows, movies, and now even video games. It is a haunting piece of music. Some of you might be familiar with it from the movie Deer Hunter, and others may recall hearing it over the radio during the broadcast of John F. Kennedy's death. It might not be a song you'd love to hear us play at your wedding, but it is a poignant, moving piece.
It's been almost 3 years since we put on an informal concert. But, the next time we do, Adagio for Strings will DEFINITELY be on our playlist.
We really need to finalize our Repertoire page and publish it so that you can see all of the great music we have to play, shouldn't we?
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| http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/1/9/1294587800446/Manuscript-of-Samuel-Barb-007.jpg |
It's been almost 3 years since we put on an informal concert. But, the next time we do, Adagio for Strings will DEFINITELY be on our playlist.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Official photos!
Here are some professional photos from the Roaring Twenties party! Click on them to see the enlarged images. The talented photographers at www.tanaphotography.com took these photos, so visit their website if you are in the market for skillful photography.
Here is Diane's arrangement of The Charleston...
This is a shot of the inside of the Thunder Mountain Line train. The guests enjoyed a catered dinner on their ride up to Banks.
Here is where the Thunder Mountain Line boarded in Horseshoe Bend. To the left is a train terminal where Prism played for guests as they arrived.
After the guests rode the train up to Banks and back, limos took them to our host's home. We continued our 1920s music on the porch there while the guests enjoyed drinks.
And here we are, in our flapper finery!
Here is Diane's arrangement of The Charleston...
April's shoes weren't "twenties-ish" enough, so this picture just includes Diane, Dave, and Nell. But, it's a great picture!
Here is where the Thunder Mountain Line boarded in Horseshoe Bend. To the left is a train terminal where Prism played for guests as they arrived.
And here we are, in our flapper finery!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Blast from the past: Roaring '20s Party
Prism got nostalgic the other day and started looking for some photos of previous gigs. More are on the way, but we found a couple of photos from a gig we did 2 years ago. We got to play for a 1920s themed party which began in Horseshoe Bend, went up into the mountains via the Thunder Mountain Line, and then ended at the host's beautiful home in downtown Boise.
Our generous host paid for all of us to get outfitted in 1920s attire at The Costume Shop (which is unfortunately now out of business!). I know it's small, but Dave's wife snapped this picture of us before we left for the gig!
It was certainly a challenge - we played exclusively rags (like "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin) and tangos to fit the 1920s theme, and we played for a total of almost 6 hours throughout the day! We set the speakeasy mood as guests arrived in Horseshoe Bend to board the Thunder Mountain line. Then, after the costumed guests mingled and enjoyed drinks, they boarded the train and took a leisurely ride up into the Idaho mountains.
We followed them up to their stop in Banks. There, we helped create the festive atmosphere while guests got off the train to enjoy drinks, a speech from our host, and a short skit by some fun local actors.
After that, we followed the guests to our host's home, where they enjoyed the party for several more hours. We sat at a great location on an elevated porch, and continued our 1920s marathon while guests mingled, sat by the pool, and enjoyed drinks and delicious catered hors d'oeuvres. We were scheduled to play until 10 pm, but the party just kept going so they asked us to stay for another hour.
We were all exhausted afterward, but it was a truly great afternoon and evening. Soon we will post some of the professional pictures taken at that wild party!
Our generous host paid for all of us to get outfitted in 1920s attire at The Costume Shop (which is unfortunately now out of business!). I know it's small, but Dave's wife snapped this picture of us before we left for the gig!
It was certainly a challenge - we played exclusively rags (like "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin) and tangos to fit the 1920s theme, and we played for a total of almost 6 hours throughout the day! We set the speakeasy mood as guests arrived in Horseshoe Bend to board the Thunder Mountain line. Then, after the costumed guests mingled and enjoyed drinks, they boarded the train and took a leisurely ride up into the Idaho mountains.
We followed them up to their stop in Banks. There, we helped create the festive atmosphere while guests got off the train to enjoy drinks, a speech from our host, and a short skit by some fun local actors.
After that, we followed the guests to our host's home, where they enjoyed the party for several more hours. We sat at a great location on an elevated porch, and continued our 1920s marathon while guests mingled, sat by the pool, and enjoyed drinks and delicious catered hors d'oeuvres. We were scheduled to play until 10 pm, but the party just kept going so they asked us to stay for another hour.
We were all exhausted afterward, but it was a truly great afternoon and evening. Soon we will post some of the professional pictures taken at that wild party!
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