Reflections from the Quad City ORP application writers
April 25th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Midori and the Quad City residency application writers (from left: Mary Kae Waytenick, Laurie Skjerseth and Mary Decker).
Watching Midori walk through the arrival gate was the capstone of two years of planning. A mere 24 months ago we mailed our carefully crafted, words counted, application. Its focus was meshing our goals for growth with Midori’s residency goals. After careful analysis of previous residencies, we included components that were a common denominator and incorporated some new ideas such as the Mi-Do-Ri young composer competition.
Two months later we were elated to learn of our acceptance. For the next 9 months we headed the volunteer education committee overseeing an already big schedule. Then we turned our attention to what needed to be accomplished for the residency.
We began an awareness campaign to tell the Quad Cities the Midori story and why her visit was such an honor and blessing. It included presentations to civic organizations, packets given to all public and private teachers, life-size Midori cutouts, displays of artistically painted violins, and media coverage. Next we tried to involve every teacher and student in the residency events. With a schedule that included masterclasses, open rehearsals, an honors string festival, Symphony Day, and 30 some additional activities, we were successful.
How do we measure success? One way is the number of people touched by Midori. We had two sold-out masterwork concerts. We had over 12,500 people who heard Midori in 5 days, with an additional untold number who heard her speak on radio or television. A better measure of success is anecdotal. So many parents came to us to express their gratitude that Midori was here and left a profound impact on their children. “This has given our family a musical renaissance,” said one mother.
Watching Midori walk through the departure gate at the end of day five was bittersweet. We were sad to say good-bye to such a great person. Yet we were happy to know that her journey to the Quad Cities was continuing in the heart of everyone she had met.
We had accomplished our own personal goals.
Mary Decker, Laurie Skjerseth, and Mary Kae Waytenick
