DVD of concert

For those of you who would like to purchase a DVD of this concert, you can purchase them at the concert before, during intermission and after the show or by calling Evan Baker at 801-787-5612 or emailing janicehenrie@yahoo.com. DVD's will be $15 which includes shipping.

After a year and 5 months of working on this concert, I can't believe it's finally here. Dreams really can come true! A special thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you, my heart has no bottom!!!

A CELEBRATION OF CELLOS- My Cello Dream
Saturday, March 26, 2011
7:00 PM
Orem High School (175 S. 400 E. Orem)

Tickets will be $5 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Orem High to help restore the Steinway piano for student use. It's a great cause and they have a ways to go.

A DVD will be made of this concert and can be purchased with cash or check the night of the concert for $15 (includes shipping).

Interview with Dr. Paul of Live On Purpose Radio

My Interview with Dr. Paul of Live on Purpose Radio.

http://www.liveonpurposeradio.com/radio/2011/02/28/a-celebration-of-cellos-my-cello-dream/

CONCERT INFO

A Celebration of Cellos- My Cello Dream
Saturday, March 26, 2011
7:00 PM
Orem High School 175 S. 400 E. Orem
Tickets $5 at door. $3 in advance. All proceeds are donated to Orem High School Music Department
Advance tickets may be purchased at Orem High School "Financial Aid" Office between the hours of 7:30 am and 1:00 pm M-F or on Saturday's at rehearsal at 50 S. 800 E. Orem, or you can call Janice Baker at 801-787-5612 or Evan Baker at 801-787-5610. You can also get tickets through any cello player in the concert.

UVU Video students offer to help

While meeting with Aaron Kopp's class, I had a student interested in videoing the concert. He gave me his contact information and told me that he belongs to a club where that about 50 students belong to that is outside of class. He said that they created this club because they wanted to have a group and help each other have more opportunities and experiences than what they could get in class. I told him what I needed and when he met with the group, a student named Jorden Nash offered had some interest and offered to meet with me. We met at Orem High and I presented what I was looking for and he presented what he could do. In the process of this meeting, he gave me some ideas of things I hadn't even thought about as far as presenting and staging the concert. I know that throughout this whole experience, I have had a major learning curve. It is like sitting with an expert and understanding 1/3 of what they say. He picked up on that and wrote it out for me in my notebook. I loved that he did that, he wanted me to get it and I wanted to get it. When I did get it, I couldn't believe that I would be so blessed to get to have that kind of expertise guiding parts of this concert. Jorden offered to help. I was so impressed with this young man. He told me that he works for BYU broadcasting and also helps with videoing UVU sports. My only hope is that as big of a blessing as he is going to be to me, I hope that I always keep to the forefront, how I can provide an environment with what I know, so it can also be a blessing in some way to him. When you add another person's dream with your own dream, wow, this becomes really big and really amazing. God, please bless all these people with all that you can for doing this kind thing for me.

Meeting with the Utah Valley University Sound Engineer Classes

The Utah Valley University Sound Engineering classes accepted my concert as their class project this semester. There are 2 classes involved. Mike Wiselan's class will professionally record the concert and Aaron Kopp's class will help with sound enhancement. Mike's got the reputation of having the best program in the state. He has done the grammy awards and does the Sundance Film Festival, so it is humbling for me to think that they would do my little ole concert. Aaron is the CEO of Pol. He is the one who put the entire sound system together for the Covey Center for the arts theatre.

I met with both classes. Mike invited me to come and meet with his class. He had me present the outline for the concert so as a class they could figure out what they needed to start getting ready for. It was a really neat experience seeing experts going to work. I didn't understand 3/4 of what they talked about, but I could tell that the concert was in good hands. During this process, often, I have had others that I have included try and make this concert their own. I knew going in that I wanted it to be true to the dream that all began it and that even though I was grateful, I needed to learn to be assertive and keep it where I really wanted it. I loved that with this class, they didn't pull it away from me, they had me there and the decisions made were to make my dream it's best sound wise with all that they could do. In fact, when I left, I wondered how I got so deserving to have something so great. I never imagined being this blessed.

Final Rehearsals Begin

Starting January 15th, we began the final leg of this journey. Final rehearsals began. The groups meet every Saturday. The large orchestra meets from 3:00- 5:00. For the first 6 weeks they will meet in sectionals so they can master the music before we combine them all together with their conductors. The ensembles meet the hour before and the hour after. It has been exciting seeing it all come together after months of doing each group separately, at different times and places. Now they all start seeing each other and what each group is doing.

Two Websites for this concert

This website that you are on now http://thecellodreamsunfold.blogspot.com, is the website that tells the story of this concert as it unfolds. There are lots of pictures and some videos to help tell the stories.

The second website http://www.mycellodream.blogspot.com is my communications site with cellists, their parents and teachers. It has the current calendar for cellists of upcoming rehearsals. It has a section with question and answers to the top questions I have been asked. It keeps cellist up to date on what's next!

The easiest way through the sites is to click on "older posts" at the bottom of each page. The most current information is near the end. Thanks for showing interest. Hope you enjoy it!

My Story: A dreamer in progress

I grew up in the small town of Winslow, Arizona. It is just off Route 66 and the hit band "The Eagles" made my town famous with their song "Take it Easy". The words to the song say, "Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. To this day, you can come to this corner in town and get your picture taken.


In Winslow, you could start playing a musical instrument in 5th grade. When I was in the fourth grade, a group of high school students brought their instruments to show all the 4th graders. We watched them take their instruments out of their cases and tighten their bows. As soon as I saw a cello, I was smitten. No other instrument existed for me after I saw it. I knew I had to play the cello. I went home and asked my parents. I started the cello the next year.

In Winslow, the Junior High was for 7th and 8th graders. The High School was 9th through 12th.


When I was in Junior High, there were 8 cello players. The first six were boys and then me and Debbie were in the back.


I remember being teased ruthlessly by the boys that girls were not suppose to play the cello. After weeks and weeks of this teasing, I determined in my head that I was going to pass up all those boys and show them. I was determined and so I did what any determined cello player would do, I practiced. ALOT! I am probably a rare person in that my parents never told me to practice once in all the years I played the cello. I just did it. I loved to practice. I loved the cello.

If you wanted to move up a chair in our orchestra, you could "challenge" the person in front of you. The teacher would select a section of music and both of you would play it in front of the class. Then the teacher would choose who they thought did the best. I would then challenge in class each boy in turn and by the end of 8th grade, I had passed every boy but one.




When I went to high school the next year, I was able to audition for a regional orchestra. All high school students can audition in their region and the top players are chosen to play in an amazing regional orchestra. Because of all the practicing I did in Jr. High to beat those boys, I actually made 4th chair in the regional orchestra that year. I still had one boy to beat though, and he was so good. It took me all year, but the last month of school, my 9th grade year, I challenged him and beat him. I hate to say it, but I'm gonna anyway. The picture of me playing my cello as first chair and him second chair made the year book. That was so cool. I later bought his cello. I still have that cello.


Well, here is where my dream tonight comes into play. All the cellists who made their regional orchestras were able to audition for the all state orchestra. I was able to audition and because I had practiced so much to try and beat James, I actually made 2nd chair in the all state orchestra. I was so excited.

When we arrived at Arizona State University where we would perform, we found out that the first and second chair cellists would be rehearsing the entire cello section. It was so amazing to be a part of such an amazing and talented group of cellists. The first chair cellist, he rehearsed the group and I was sent to listen and make recommendations.

It was during that rehearsal that I sat and listened and had major goosebumps. It was amazing to hear so many cellos playing together. It was so beautiful. I had never heard that before. It was in that moment, that I remember saying in my head, "wouldn't it be so awesome to have a concert where the entire stage was filled with just cellos. I'm gonna do that some day." I was 15 years old when I had that experience that inspired me.


Well, this year is my 30th year High School class reunion so I have been blessed to be reconnecting with friends from back home. During a conversation with an old friend, that dream to do an all cello concert was brought again to my attention. I thought about it for several weeks after our conversation and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was drawn to it. It wouldn't go away. I realized I had to do this. For some reason it was just important for me to do this.

Someone recently asked me, why now? My response, why not? A cello dream may be insignificant as far as the things that really count in the world, but at one moment in time, a young girl had a dream, a dream that inspired her.

The opportunities that the cello provided me as a young girl are priceless. I learned self discipline. I had opportunities that I never would have had if I hadn't played it. I met amazing people and traveled to some amazing places.

Now I want to invite cello players around the age that I was and older, to participate with me in a celebration of the cello. I hope it will inspire them with their own dreams and also help others enjoy the diversity of this beautiful instrument. Our inspired dreams are worthy of our attention.

CREATING THE DREAM~The beginning

Once I decided that I definitely had to do this, I found myself in a situation where details were coming to my mind so fast that I had to write them down. I worked on most of the outline for this concert between the hours of 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. My little one asleep- Quiet time!

I first sat down and tried to decide what I wanted the concert to be like. I googled cello music and found myself on You Tube listening to various cello masters and not so masters. I book marked the music that had great appeal to me and skipped the others. After doing this for weeks, I started noticing a pattern of music I liked. I really liked! After more research, I realized several other things.

I realized that I didn't just want an all cello orchestra to perform the entire night. I realized that there is no way I could have that many cellos meet often enough to learn that much music for one thing, and I felt like I wanted to showcase more of the diversity of the cello, kind of a celebration of it. I saw online people who had a passion for their cello and made it their own and went professional. I also knew I didn't want this to be an ordinary concert. I decided then to the make concert 2 parts. The first an all cello orchestra. The second, a variety of ensembles. I knew this was right the minute I thought it.

Now to find music for the all cello orchestra. I researched on line and found some great music. Some I ordered from the National Cello Institute since they have music for cello ensembles which can be played by an all cello orchestra. I found 3 others and decided that these 4 would be the pieces of music we would play. I was attracted to them first by their appeal to me in listening to. I was also drawn to one because the entire song was almost pizzicato which intrigued me and really show cased the cello with a different angle. The last song we will play has cello tapping for the percussion and a fun rhythm. I am not going to share the titles yet, because I don't want them played by others yet if possible. I ordered the music and have it all in folders ready to go. Wahoo
.

The ensembles have been more challenging. The cellists gone professional that I loved to listen to so much, I learned also keep their original work to themselves. A lot of the songs that I want performed I will have to write from watching them play it and then make it my own. I did find on line the basic music and now have spent hours writing up music the way I want it. Since I am not very good at this and it is becoming more time consuming than I have the patience and time to do, I am going to have to hire someone to do it for me. It will be worth it. I WANT THAT MUSIC so bad! All the playing of my cello in trying to write this music, made we want to play again so bad. I decided on a few pieces that I will perform also. I have been practicing and it has been a lot of work because unlike the cellist that will be performing with me, I haven't played in years. I have been busy working full time and being a mom. I must say though, that the feelings I have when I play are so strong once again. I miss playing the cello so much. It calms my spirit, bring joy to my heart. I'm going to start playing again!!!!

Many nights I would wake up at 4:00 in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep so I would TRY and focus on how to present the music. I had floods of ideas come with each piece of music. I knew exactly what I want to have happen. I know their will be glitches when we add the stage, sound technicians and light technicians, but I think we will still be able to stay true to the vision I have. Bring me some cellos and let's do this!!! I am soooooo excited!

CREATING THE DREAM

WHERE to have the concert?

When I first decided I was going to do this, I really wanted to do it in Cedar City, Utah at the college. Southern Utah State College (now SUU) was my Alma Mater and the school that gave me a lot of really amazing opportunities with my cello. This is the music building there that I spent many many hours in.

I emailed the Music Department Head and his response back was so gracious. He said, "We would love to have an all cello concert here from an alumni student." He then forwarded me to the person over the orchestra and told us that they would be happy to help with anything I needed to help make it happen there.

I realized through several further emails that I might not be able to get enough cellos down there. I also realized that as I had been working more on the bigger picture that I would be making many trips down and with a four year old who isn't a good traveler and I decided it might be better to do it closer to home first, and maybe take it down there at a later time. The final decision came after talking with a friend who asked me if it was more important the location or the amount of cellos. I decided that the dream- which included the amount of cellos was more important than location.


I started looking for a location here locally. When I found out that the new Orem High School by my house would be completed by the fall of 2010, I REALLY wanted to have it there in the new auditorium. I didn't know if I could have it there, but I had to try! I decided that if that was my first choice that I better find out who to contact. I at first thought I would contact the principal, but could never seem to get it done. So frustrating to have that on the top of the "To Do List" over and over and over and never move forward on it when all it required was one phone call. I just felt pulled back from going that direction. In my quiet moments I would pray that this would open up if it was meant to be.

When I started contacting Orchestra teachers at all the High Schools via email, I was given Sterling Keyes name and sent him the email. I found it interesting when I heard back from him that he was the department head at Orem High School and not the orchestra teacher but that he did forward my email to the him. I found it especially interesting that he read the email and he offered to sponsor the concert at the Orem High School. He said that "we'd like to help you with this dream." The fact that I called the school and asked for the orchestra teachers' name and school email and that my email went to him first, was a witness to me that my prayer was answered.

CREATING THE DREAM- What to name the concert?

I had been for months creating the vision of what I wanted the concert to be like, now I just needed to come up with a name. I sat down and wrote down several names. It was kind of a struggle so and I ended up googling cello concert names and made a good list. Here is the original list:

A Celebration of Cellos or Celebrating Cellos
A Night with Cellos
Everything Cello
Journey with Cellos
Not your Ordinary Cello Concert
Cello Sensation
My Cello Rocks
The Cello Scene
Cello Man
Cello Encore

Out of all of those on that original list I liked "A Celebration of Cellos" the best. I wanted to see which one of those names appealed to the most people, so I posted them on my facebook wall and asked my friends which one they liked. There was not one that stood out. People like a variety of names. So I decided to go another route and see if someone in my group of facebook friends could come up with an original name. I knew it would be harder so I offered an incentive. Some really great names came in. Here are some of them.

Emily- Cello Rocks-Everything is turning up cello
Janet-Everything Cello
Sarah- A Celebration of Cellos
David- Everything Cello
Cindy- Everything Cello
LaRena-Chillin with the cellos
Kerri- Chillin with Cellos or A Celebration of Cellos
Leslie- If Cellos could Dance or A Celebration of Cellos
Alicia- Everything Cello
Robert- If Cellos Could Dance or A Cello Runs through it
Leah- A Cello Dream

There were more names from friends but my 4 year old deleted them somehow while playing games on my computer and to them I apologize for not posting there preferences and new names. Everyone's contribution was meaningful for me. Thank you.

I thought that all the names that came in were wonderful. But it was interesting that when Leah's name came in, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I realized that I wanted to name the concert about the Cello and how wonderful of an instrument it is. I also wanted people to know that this was not going to be just an ordinary classical cello concert. But now, with what Leah wrote, I realized that somehow, I needed it to be about my dream also. I put those three things in every possible order to come up with something and ended up with:

"A CELEBRATION OF CELLOS- MY CELLO DREAM." ( A slight edit from Leah's but the meaning still the same) I figured somewhere in the advertising I could put "Not your ordinary cello concert". I posted on facebook the winner and delivered the prize. I was grateful to my friend Leah because it was her suggestion that actually turned the corner for me on the name. The name for me, was a perfect fit for what I am trying to do with all this. Thank you Friends.

CREATING THE DREAM- When to have the concert?

When trying to decide on a date, I knew that the final date would depend on several factors. I knew that the where I held the concert and the available dates there would be the biggest.

I also knew that I was dealing with 3 school districts and which included 15 High Schools and two major universities. Dealing with the calendaring in all those with sports practices and games, music lessons, orchestra tours and concerts, school dances and activities and then the kids family life, a daunting task to know if I could actually choose the date I feel I want and then actually see who I will get by the end. I knew one prom could wipe me out of a bunch of cellos even if they had practiced with me for months. It is hard too, because I need to get on the calendar, but no one else really has theirs final either so I only can really plan with Orem High to get the date I want. This will be interesting to see who I start with and who I end with. I am optimistic though.

I also knew that I would have family traveling from out of state who wouldn't travel in snow so I had to figure that in. I also realized that I needed time to do this right, the way I envisioned it.

But mostly, in my quiet moments, I wanted to do this on my birthday, a private gift to myself. Not to be acknowledged by anyone or anything. Just kind of a personal and meaningful thing for me to acknowledge deep inside of me, my dreams and hopes.

Once I thought about my birthday being the date, I hurried and got online to look up the calendar for 2011 to see what day my birthday fell on next year. I couldn't believe it. I had goosebumps like everything was just falling into place. My birthday fell on a Saturday, the very day, I wanted the concert to be on. WOW!

I met with Mr. Keyes and gave him the date I wanted and an alternate. I think March 26 is risky because of Proms and they are a busy month for orchestras as I have found out by trying to get appointments with teachers. I just feel drawn to it. My gut tell me that it is going to be on that date! The school still has to approve it and there is alot that could happen to go wrong on that date, but inside, I feel a peace that it is meant to be on that date and that it will all work out!

The Orem High teachers meet the end of the month to calendar, so I will find out soon.

WE GOT THAT DATE!!!!!!!!!!! MARCH 26, 2011 it is!!!! Wahoooooooo

DEDICATION: KEITH RAY HENRIE MY FATHER

DEDICATION

Keith Ray Henrie
November 29, 1926-December 13, 2002

I am dedicating this concert to my dad, Keith Ray Henrie. My dad loved music! It is from him that I gained my love for music. He was an amazing pianist who played by ear and he was also amazing on the guitar. We spent hours together playing and singing. That was "my thing" with my dad. Music!!! Thanks for that great gift of music in my life dad! No one knows the sacrifices you and mom made so I could have the cello experience I had. I know though. You truly gave me my wings and I hope you always felt like it was worth it.

Here are the words to a song my dad taught me, it was "our song".

"Your my friend when I'm lonely,
Your my shelter from troubled winds,
Your my anchor in life's ocean,
But most of all, your my best friend!

First Things First- Meeting with Sterling Keyes, Department Head Orem High School

To get this all going, I started by setting up a meeting with Sterling Keyes, the music department head at Orem High School. He is the man who offered to sponsor the concert for me. I met with him on March 25, 2010 at 1:00 pm. I found him to be a very positive and optimistic person. His students are blessed to have him as a person of influence in their lives at this age. We stood at the piano and I told him my story and showed him my presentation. I asked him alot of questions and received some great answers. He showed me the current stage at Orem High and then described how big the new one will be. I was overjoyed when he told me that 100 cellos would fit. That is how many I wanted initially, but didn't think their would be a place that would hold that many. They new school will be open by the end of the school year but no one can go in until the fire marshal approves it. As soon as people can go in it, I can hardly wait to see what the stage for this concert will look like. I have been trying to envision it for weeks. I needed a big screen for some video clips and discovered that the new auditorium has everything we need. We talked dates and looked at Calendars. He shared some of the things the school still needs. They have a piano that needs restored, posture chairs for students and an a desire for an organ. I was trying to think of how I could help using my concert as a tool to make the school a better place because we were there. I'll keep thinking on that. I left feeling like it was a very profitable meeting and I smiled all the way to the car.

My meeting with schools

When I arrived at each school, I usually signed in at the office, some schools required name tags.




Then I would ask directions to the orchestra room. When it came close to time, I would make the teacher aware that I was there. The teacher would introduce me to the cellists and they would then follow me or me them to a practice room, hall way or another music room and I would then give them my presentation. I wanted so badly when I started this to have the teachers hear the presentation too, but learned that they couldn't leave that many students for that long so, only one teacher was able hear about this and it was because we did it at lunch. I need to figure out a way to let them know more.

When I met with the cellists, I first told them my name and that I was also a cellist. I then told them that I was going to do a concert next year where the entire stage was filled with just cellos. I could tell immediately in each group that the cello connection was awesome and that the stage filled with all cellos was intriguing. I got comments like, "it's about time someone made the cello center stage instead of just background."

Then I told them about me and my dream. I told them that when I was in 4th grade a group of students like them came to my elementary school and showed my class their instruments. I told that that as soon as I saw the cello, I was smitten. I always got a few comments from the group from those who had, had similar experiences. I also found some had started with other instruments and then switched over. Some I could tell were playing because their parents made them play something, others just did it nonchalantly. It was interesting to see who and why. I loved it.

Then I told them the story of me in Junior High School and challenging the boys in turn until I passed all of them. I showed them my year book where I was now first chair and sitting next to the boy that was the hardest to beat. The kids seemed to get the biggest kick out of that. It was funny to watch their reaction to that at some schools. Then I told them about making second chair in the all state orchestra and being able to help rehearse this amazing cello section. I told them that it was at that moment that I decided that it would be so awesome to do a concert where the entire stage was filled with just cellos. I told them that I gradated High School, went to college, got married, had a family and that all these years later, I felt inspired to do that concert. I told them that I had spend thousands of hours and dollars, getting this ready and now I was looking for cello players who wanted to share in this experience with me.

Then I showed them some videos that we are modeling the concert after. A few months ago, I told my husband that I really felt like we needed to get a lap top. I needed to be able to show the kids what I was seeing, it is what got me excited, and I felt like I needed to be able to show it to them. I wanted them to know that is was not your ordinary classical concert. We were going to have some classical, but the concert was to show the diversity of the cello and the fun creative side also.

Many of the ensembles we are doing are modeled after people who were like them, high school students who loved playing the cello, they found their own nitch and went professional. I wanted the kids to know that the concert was going to be fun, like a bunch a cellist getting together to have a blast playing. My husband bought me the laptop and it did help a lot. It served its purpose very well and I was grateful for the blessing of it.

I had the cellist that wanted to be in it fill out an information sheet with the name, address, phone number and email and if they wanted to be in the orchestra only or in an ensemble. I gave most of them audition papers with music and audition dates. I answered questions, most from students were is there any cost and how much time is it going to take.

Every school I left, the kids were excited. It was such a neat feeling to be accepted by a younger group of cellists and I was so thrilled that most caught my vision for this concert.

Meeting with Payson High School Cellists

I met with Payson High School cellists. Their teacher Mr. Collins was so helpful and positive in letting me come. I enjoyed that group very much. They were enthusiastic and I thought a very creative group of students. I may get an original work from that group. In the fall, I am offering any one who wants to, to come up with their own original work. I will audition the groups and if I feel like they fit in to what I am trying to accomplish, I will put them in the concert. I want to support that creative element and give those who try it a venue to showcase their talent and creativity. That is a part of what this is all about. Payson High cellist were awesome. I also, met the mother of one of the cellists at auditions. She is also a cellists. I think I want to include her in this somehow. She has a love for the cello as I do and I see it in her. That is what I am looking for.

While Salest and I were waiting for the band class to end and the orchestra class to begin, the drum section was rocking it out. Salest was peeking into the door to see what was going on in there. She loved it. One of the drummers let Salest play his drum set. He made her day. Thank you drummer! You did a good thing that day.

Met with Maple Mountain High School Cellists

Met Sherrie Dunford the orchestra director. What a nice lady. She plays the harp. Very impressive person. The School is impressive too. This is the first year it is opened. The first class of cellists met me in the choir room next door. There were 14 cellists in that class. That is the biggest class to date. They next class had 4 cellists. They were so much fun, asked alot of really great questions. The majority of them want to be in it. I am way excited to have the kids in this group participate that is for sure. Now that was fun. Salest comes with me to meet with students at the High Schools when Evan is at work. I want to include her in the experience and give her some new experiences. The kids at Maple Mountain were great with her. This is Salest as we left that school.

Meeting with Timpview High School Cellists

Mr. Allred so graciously accommodated me meeting with his students. He told me I could meet with his cellists at Timpview on Friday at 10:20. I arrive early and as I was waiting in the hall outside the orchestra room, a huge group of cellists walked by and headed into the orchestra room. I followed them into the room. Mr. Allred wanted me to let him know when I arrived so I did. When he had completed class, he told his cellos to pack up their cellos and go to the small orchestra room and for me to follow them. I was so surprised how many cellists this school had. It was the biggest by far and all from one class. We didn't have as much time as I have had at others schools, but we took advantage of what we had. The presentation was quick and I collected information and ended up calling most of them on the phone since I post results tomorrow. These kids are busy with lots of things. I did have a good amount interested in the concert and look forward to working with them.

Meeting with Provo High School Cellists

I met with 2 groups of cellists from Provo High School. Mr. Allred is over Provo High and Timpview High. I was grateful he gave me the opportunity to meet with his students. I found them all delightful. Several were very excited to be in the concert. One boy said that he would even shave his head if I would let him be in the concert. I thought that was adorable, but let him know that it was much easier to be in it than that. lol. Several cellists from there have showed interest and I look forward to working with them.