That said, there is one element that stands out to me that I had been suspecting for a while now, but tonight showed me that my instincts were, in fact, very gratefully, correct: there is a true sense of large ensemble within the program.
ensemble (noun):
1. all the parts of a thing taken together, so that each part is considered only in relation to the whole.
2. in music: the united performance of an entire group
Over the years, as the CMAS program has evolved, we've pretty much been able to prove any educational or musical criticism of the program to be wrong. Very wrong. The only one that I have ever felt might have had some validity was a comment that for all the benefits of CMAS, the one thing the students cannot get in program is a true sense of ensemble. Specifically, large ensemble.
To be fair, part of me had to agree. After all, though we have a vast number of smaller groups (most of the bands are 3-5 members) that larger sense did seem a bit absent. On the other hand, there was always this feeling in my gut that we just had not crossed the threshold yet on this subject and there was every bit a large ensemble aspect to CMAS as much as any music program of any kind anywhere. It just had not been presented properly.
Well tonight, it turns out, among all the other accomplishments, was the very tangible proof that the CMAS paradigm evolves this aspect of traditional music programs too. Significantly. I have had the honor and pleasure of leading any number of large "traditional" music ensembles over the years, in a vast array of concerts and events. What I can now tell you is that in CMAS that exact same feeling of large ensemble exists. Very, very prominently. At the end of the stadium show tonight the entire program clearly felt exactly the way a large band or orchestra feels after a great performance. There was absolutely no difference. The benefits from the experience, at heart were even identical. The group has to find a way to take all of the best aspects of everyone's efforts and create a collective result that all involved can feel not only proud of, but that they were in fact a key and integral part of the performance's success. That they as a part, allowed the sum total to be far greater than the individual.
CMAS more than proved that to be the case tonight. In fact, in some ways they eclipsed the "traditional" ensembles in this because it's not what you might expect from the CMAS experience. It's not necessarily the obvious result or benefit of the CMAS experience. But it is there, and significantly. And now that we know it for certain, CMAS, I can promise, will be taking it farther than could every be expected from any other musical experience - just like they do everything else.
As you can tell I am beyond over the moon over this. I am just so proud to be a part of this musical journey called CMAS. It is such a thrill and an honor.
More soon, including some more picts and video from tonight. Amazing stuff. I am so proud of the entire program. Just wonderful!
