 World
Tour - Winnipeg MB
"He has found the key in keeping piano students motivated while keeping the
fun in playing. The gala concert was wonderful and showcased so much talent.
The students are inspired and feel so accomplished!”
“I found it very fun by being
up on stage for the Improv class because I like the way that Christopher
Norton taught me."
Winnipeg was a late
addition to the tour, but proved to be a memorable occasion, thanks in no
small part to the enthusiasm and organizational abilities of local teacher
Terri Myers. Terri and her 2 sons recently became local celebrities, having
shed something in the order of 180 lbs between them in three months, as part
of a local radio promotion called (ain’t it sweet!) Winnipeg’s Biggest Loser
(http://winnipegsbiggestloser.com).
Here is a picture of the extremely svelte Winnipeg organizer (that’s her on
the right!):
The students in Winnipeg were
well prepared and very enthusiastic and we all had a great time,
particularly with the improvisation sessions. Here’s a picture of one of the
Improv groups playing:
The first day saw both
Improv sessions and master classes and ended with a lovely wine-and-cheese
party at the beautiful home of our hosts Art and Leona Defehr (http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/22161-Art_DeFehr_Businessman_and_humanitarian.php)
Given that there were a large number of musicians present, of course there
was music making (and improvisation!) on the spur of the moment – as can be
seen in this picture of the organizer, Terri Myers, together with our host
Art Defehr and composer Zane Zalis (http://www.zanezalis.com),
with me playing a little night music.
Here I am playing a breakfast duet with our gracious
hostess Leona Defehr (my eyes closed in a combination of bliss and jet-lag):
The second day
again offered Improv sessions and master classes. On the whole, there were
lots of really outstanding performances in Winnipeg, and the lunchtime Gala
Concert had a palpable air of excitement about it, partly because I had to
get to the airport for a 3.30 pm flight! Here are the improvisers on stage
during the Gala Concert:
And a student
performer in action – many students came to the piano smiling and got up
from their performance still smiling. Wonderful!
Comments from Winnipeg:
From Ryan (Level 3 student): “I found it very fun by being up on stage for
the Improv class because I like the way that Christopher Norton taught me.
In the Master class I learned not to tilt my hand but keep it straight. I
really enjoyed the whole workshop. It was a lot of fun!”
From Nancy (parent of a participating student): “The Christopher Norton
workshops were a wonderful experience for both myself and Gordon...he was a
little nervous at first but as soon as he got started with Mr. Norton he fit
right in and had a great learning experience. It is so nice that this
opportunity was made available to my son...it will be two great days that he
will always remember. He still is playing songs from the repertoire book and
listening to the CD.”
From Suzanne (Teacher): “I was a little apprehensive signing up a student
for the workshop as I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t disappointed.
Christopher Norton has certainly inspired the imagination of many students.
I went away from the workshop filled with new ideas and a much better
understanding of improvisation. He has found the key in keeping piano
students motivated while keeping the fun in playing. The gala concert was
wonderful and showcased so much talent. The students are inspired and feel
so accomplished!”
From Terri, the local organizer: “In summary, the tour to Winnipeg was
phenomenal! THANK YOU SO MUCH!”
~
POSTED BY CHRISTOPHER NORTON
|
