My Experience at the Chicago Philharmonic Side-By-Side Concert

Events like the Chicago Philharmonic Side-by-Side Concert are a cool reminder of why being a musician is awesome.

As an educator, I spend a lot of time thinking about growth. I think about what students are working on in lessons, what they are struggling with, what they are starting to understand, and what kind of musician they are slowly becoming. Most of that growth happens in small, quiet ways-- It happens in the lesson room, at home during practice, in rehearsals, and in those little moments when something finally clicks.

But every once in a while, students get the chance to step into a bigger musical experience and see what all that work is leading toward. That is what made the Chicago Philharmonic Side-by-Side Concert feel so meaningful. The Side-by-Side program brings community musicians together to rehearse and perform alongside Chicago Philharmonic professionals. Musicians of all levels come from across the Chicagoland area come together to play a full symphonic program.

This year, I had the opportunity to perform in the event and it was quite delightful. I got to see old friends, meet other musicians, and I even got to see one of my former teachers! Which was really exciting and sentimental. But what was really incredible for me was to be a witness of the Melody Mart students who attended; I could tell a transformation happened this one night.

I've been attending this event since its conception-- when I was an intern at the Chicago Philharmonic! So I literally got to see all sides of this event over the years but this time was something special. As soon as I got word that it was happening, I texted all my students to attend. Then the next time I saw them in lessons I had asked if they signed up yet--- and I was met with some hesitation.

"I don't know if I'm ready for something like this"

"Was that email an accident?"

"You meant we'd be playing with THEE Chicago Phil?"

I teased my students to ease some of the nerves but I was so serious about getting as many of my students registered for the event. As a teacher, it is my job to be my students number 1 cheerleader and encourage them to step out their comfort zone. And I know a lot of my students are more than capable than doing something like this. So with a little convincing, I got a couple of my students to attend. And you tell me how it went:

We had such a good time!

Leading up to the concert, Melody Mart’s halls were filled with music by Florence Price, John Williams, William Grant Still, and so many others. You could feel the nervous energy in the air, but underneath it, there was a lot of excitement too. The moment rehearsal started, those worries began to melt away. You could feel the energy shift as we moved through the music. Everyone settled in, listened, adjusted, and started to really play-- it was such a blast.

Again, it is another thing to watch students experience a moment where all their hard work comes to fruition and going beyond what they thought was possible. It is something that happens when private lessons and a performance work in tandem.

And for me, as an educator, that is my goal. All I want is for my students to love playing. I want them to love their sound, trust themselves, and enjoy the experience of making music with others.

Overall, it was a wonderful outing. Signing up was easy, the environment was welcoming, and the experience gave our students and educators a chance to step outside the lesson room and just be musicians.