Legendary violinist shares wisdom with U-46 students, staff

If you ever picked up a basketball, can you imagine having Michael Jordan visit for a week to practice?

Or playing 18 holes with Tiger Woods and then getting tips on your swing and short game?

Well, the equivalent happened this week for Elgin area students, symphony leaders, musicians and Elgin Area School District U-46 staff.

Legendary Japanese violinist Midori hit the high notes on her E string as she brought energy, enthusiasm and expertise to Larkin High School Thursday as part of a weeklong residency with the Elgin Symphony and Youth Orchestra.

"It's really invaluable.," said Colin Clark, a Larkin High School junior who plays the cello in the Maud Powell String Quartet, the Elgin Youth Symphony's top string ensemble. "When you're rehearsing, you think you have everything down and then someone like Midori comes."

Midori held a tutoring session with the quartet in the Larkin auditorium in front of about 375 orchestra students.

Karen Darling, a St. Charles junior who plays the violin, agreed with Gabi Pittford of Wheaton and Berit Goodman of Woodstock that Midori was humble and inspirational.

"It's not only matching style and technical (aspects), it's matching emotion and how you feel about the piece," Goodman said.

Added Darling: "It's almost like we have to feel the same emotion all together."

Midori also held a round table discussion with U-46 staff members and symphony officials, focusing on inspiring students and increasing the profile of school orchestras that play classical music.

Midori said it's important to get support from top administrators. She also noted that in-school programs are bit more effective than after-school programs because the latter is optional and often depends on parent availability.

Working with children is refreshing and motivating because of their ideas and their ability to ask questions, Midori said.

"I get the inspiration from the children themselves," she said.

Overall, U-46 teachers and other leaders were pleased to host and learn from a veritable master.

"It's a real thrill for them and a once in a lifetime opportunity for students," said Theresa DeDecker, U-46 fine arts coordinator. "It's a real coup for the district. The benefits for the students are tremendous."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Audio slideshow</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=9&type=slideshow&item=43">Midori helping Larkin students </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>