Twin Valley High School Outreach
Dear Ms. Weaver and Ms. Dieter,
On behalf of the Friends of Chamber Music of Reading (FOCM), I gratefully thank you for all your efforts to host our first ensemble of our 2025-2026 season, the Amara Trio, in their hour long outreach program. It was an extraordinary event from beginning to end!
Upon arrival to the school, we were warmly greeted by Nicole Weaver, who ably substituted for Tonna Dieter, High School Music Director, and led us to the auditorium. 130 students from orchestra, band and chorus from grades 9 – 12, were able to sit in “the best seats in the house”, namely directly in front of the performers to enjoy their performance. The Trio, arranged in the “pit” and not on stage, performed mere feet away from their audience who were able to clearly hear and also see facial expressions and communication between the artists – a rare glimpse into true music making by real people!
Many of the students sported colorful and artful “senior day” outfits, which added even more to the festive, youthful exuberance of the artists in their sound which belied their collaboration of just two years!
After introducing themselves, Christina, violinist, Nagyeom, cellist and Kevin, pianist, turned the tables and asked the audience about the instrument(s) they were studying. With delight in the show of hands for both stringed instruments and even a few pianists, the Amara Trio then began their performance of two contrasting excerpts from tonight’s program.
Mozart’s Piano Trio No. 4 in E Major, K. 542, second movement, “Andante grazioso” was performed as described by the Trio, who envisioned a story of Cinderella (piano) getting ready for a ball, but contending with many mishaps and drama along the way! The third movement, “Allegro” was pure, sweet, delight with possible piano embellishments adding to its charm. The Trio spoke about their importance of “unity” in spirit and character, telling of their idea of creating a story as a theme that all members could relate to and effectively employ, keeping them all “on the same page” in what they wish to convey to their audience.
An entirely different mood arrived with the powerful Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67 performed minus the first movement. II. Allegro con brio’s energy grabs the listener and doesn’t relinquish its grip! Sharp contrast occurs in III. Largo with its somber passacaglia chords intoning grief. Attacca unites the last movement IV. Allegretto to its previous one, but in a totally different feeling, at first. A macabre, menacing, exaggerated dance of death is felt and heard, moving to the violin and cello performing “col legno” a percussive technique where the wooden stick of the bow strikes the fingerboard as the music quiets, then returns to its impassioned, menacing tune and then quiets again before the somber passacaglia chords of the third movement are heard under the high, soft playing of the strings, eventually ending on a major chord, offering a possible glimmer of hope.
The question and answer period proceeded smoothly with Nicole wisely circulating the hand held microphone to the questioners for the benefit of all. The Trio was eager to share more of their insights, beyond the music’s interesting facts, such as the Largo movement was played at Shostakovich’s own funeral.
As an attest to the performers skill, tight ensemble and communication with the audience, the students’ questions were astute and insightful, reflecting their keen interest and reverance for the Amara Trio’s artistry and outreach program.
Upon answering the question if the musicians played other instruments, Kevin, pianist, reached over to grab Christina’s violin and proceeded to wow us all with his lively Irish fiddling! He is obviously gifted on both instruments!
A question regarding the “workings” of an ensemble, “how do you react to each other?” elicited a thoughtful response from the Trio, who said, music is a physical thing that moves you emotionally as well as physically. We have the essential good fortune to know and love each other (for 2 years now) and we anticipate how each other feels. We make up stories or think of characters to embody the music in a way we all agree upon – it keeps us entertained and laughing – and united! Above all, listen and react thoughtfully – it will lead to a productive rehearsal. Enjoy the process and have fun whereever you are!
In their youthful optimistic outlook, clearly loving and enjoying their craft, the Amara Trio advise those seeking a career in music to “follow your heart and passion”, take ownership of your creativity, trust and believe in yourself – your body, heart and mind, and overall, have fun doing so!!
Also – practice scales so you don’t have to spend precious time doing so when your life gets more busy, be sure to have meaningful practice sessions, and be patient with yourself.
After the students clustered around the superb musicians wanting to know more and more about them and their craft, we were treated to an “after show” by Nicole who showed us her baby guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes, lizards – the most unique and truly welcome way to end a wonderful early afternoon at Twin Valley HS.
Thank you again, Nicole and Tonna, for hosting our ensemble and cultivating attentive, astute and respectful students who shine with enthusiasm!
Ellen Kitagawa Shapiro, Outreach committee of FOCM