Preparing to Perform in the 'Mecca' of Music

Jason Dungee
April 11, 2014

In this blog post, Jason Dungee, a UA doctoral student in the School of Music, writes about his connection with music and preparation to sing with other UA performers in Europe next month. A group of about 80 UA students and employees received an invitation from the organizers of the Varna International Music Festival, and will perform at the festival on May 6 and May 9. While abroad, the group will perform Antonín Dvořák's "Stabat Mater" in Vienna and Prague on some of the world's oldest and most prestigious stages. It is a rare invitation for a university to receive.

I have never been to Europe.

To a professional choral conductor, Vienna is seen as the mecca of music. It is where so much of what I study on a daily basis was conceived and premiered, and it is the place so many of my favorite composers called home.

To be able to stand in the places where my musical heroes stood will be a great honor that I will always remember. Professionally, it will be a wonderful opportunity to say that I have performed on one of the legendary stages in the world. This will help to shape my perspective as a professional choral conductor for years to come.

Considering that this is such a rare opportunity for an American ensemble, I truly feel it to be an honor to be counted amongst those who have been afforded the opportunity. And, personally, this invitation is yet another indication that I chose the right school to complete my doctoral degree.

Being a musician requires years of dedication, regardless of what particular type of expression you choose to utilize. No matter what area of music you choose to operate in, it requires ultimate dedication in order for you to truly maximize your gift.

I am invested because my gift continually reflects back to me the fruits of that investment.

Antonín Dvořák's "Stabat Mater" is an absolutely beautiful work. But hidden within the overt beauty are levels upon levels of hidden meaning and depth. Because of this, we are required to exercise great discipline in expressing the subtleties within the music. This is what makes preparation more difficult.

During this process, the first and perhaps easiest task is to learn the notes on the page. This occurs relatively quickly because the choir consists of music readers. Once the notes are secured, typically music director Bruce Chamberlain then begins to give us different types of analysis – textual, harmonic, historic – that helps us to properly interpret the music.

We rehearse everyday, and Chamberlain's particular rehearsal technique is one that focuses on efficiency, time management and up-tempo instruction. Therefore, there is a consistent level of focus and attentiveness physically, emotionally and mentally in order to keep up with the pace of rehearsal.

I have seen outstanding support from Chamberlain. He understands our difficult schedules, commitments outside of choir and financial concerns and has been essential in helping us maintain balance.

Photography credit: Beatriz Verdugo/UANews

A Delaware native, Jason Dungee is pursuing his doctoral degree in choral conducting at the UA School of Music. Dungee also serves as a teaching assistant for the UA's choral department.

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