Recent Graduate Elizabeth Thorup Reflects on her Experience Studying Viola at the Bowdoin International Music Festival in Brunswick, Maine
"Everything was new. I was going to a new state all the way across the country to be with people I had never met and to play music I had never played. More than that, I was concerned that my viola would be crushed underneath all the 50 pound bags of luggage on the plane. Needless to say, my beloved instrument and I headed for the east coast.
I had multiple challenges staring me in the face going into this festival. The first was that I was injured and had been for about seven months. How was I supposed to practice and rehearse all day while injured? Another challenge was my current music: the pieces were stale and I was bored of them. But, I had been learning pieces for almost two years in preparation for my senior recital.
During orientation at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, one of the artistic directors said something that changed my whole festival experience. He said that we would hear all kinds of music over the course of three weeks, and it was our job to decide what we genuinely enjoy listening to, not just accept what we hear. This inspired me to not only find music I liked listening to but also to play music I was passionate about.
As the festival continued, I had the pleasure of playing in a piano quintet with four other incredible musicians. I was astounded by their talent and creativity; they played so well before we had even rehearsed much. I had a rush of imposter syndrome when I found out that everyone in the group was a postgraduate student at Yale, Rice and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. How was I supposed to keep up with them as an undergrad from Utah?
My group, although intimidating, was very understanding of my shortcomings. We set out to learn the whole Schumann Piano Quintet in 3 weeks. It was scary. But it was also worth it.
To my delight, I was able to keep up with them. We got the chance to perform the first movement in a couple of different settings including a community concert which was a highlight for me. I was thrilled to learn so much from my peers and also my coach who was the principal cellist of the Rochester Symphony. Her advice to us was always so thoughtful and came from a place of incredible musicianship and love.
My injury didn’t magically go away. However, I was miraculously able to attend every rehearsal, complete each private lesson and fulfill over two hours of practicing daily. I am sure the bulk of this miracle was divine intervention, but I also did my part. I woke up early to do exercises prescribed by my physical therapist and stretched and rested every 20-30 mins of my practice sessions. I would watch myself play in the mirror to catch any tension or technique problems and loosen up my shoulder and neck when I felt I was too stiff. I wore a brace each night and would steal ice from the cafeteria to ice my elbow when needed. I made it work.
There were countless learning experiences on this trip. Some left me grinning, others left me crying. But overall, this experience changed the way I looked at the world and myself. I was beginning to realize that I was capable of a lot.
Two weeks after returning home from Maine, I decided to switch my repertoire for my senior recital. I wasn’t particularly proud of the previous set, and I wasn’t happy when I played or listened to it. Instead, I chose a song that I adored. Now, I was so excited to play. That’s what Bowdoin taught me. Spend life following your passions."