boston progress radio

March has always been a special month for Boston Progress Arts Collective. In March 2005, we started the open mic and it has been running ever since. It is the longest continuously running Asian American open mic in all of this here United States. In March 2007, we launched this blog and the online radio station that goes with it. BPRLive was born. And now, in March 2009, we’re starting something new again… open orchestra.

What is open orchestra you may ask? Well, it is like the open mic, but not exactly. The open mic is a place to share anything on the mic… a poem, a story, a joke, a song. Open orchestra is more about music. We welcome people who have an instrument and want to play it. It’s a venue for people to collaborate with others who like to play as well. Emcees can come and emcees can go. Singers come and singers go. There is no feature, there is no one focus. Everyone who wants to play can come and play. From BPAC Beat Collective member Chuck Kim:

An orchestra consists of many parts. Strings, percussion, horns, brass. The beautiful, collective sound that an audience hears is largely guided by the precise execution of notes on a sheet… and the humble acceptance of the conductor’s presence. Open Orchestra is something a little different. Take away the sheet. And take away the conductor. Imagine a room full of individuals playing the instrument of their choice… predicated not on the extent of one’s training, but rather on a deep love of music.

Open Orchestra. Open. Collective. Music.

Where is open orchestra you may ask? At your home away from home: The East Meets West Bookstore at 934 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. Come on March 20, 2009 to watch, to share, to play. Bring $3 and some friends. It’s going to be a fun time.

Last 5 posts by eugene

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Tags: Open Orchestra.