Cellist Priscilla Lee, Associate Principal Cello of the Philadelphia Orchestra, presented a master class for musicians at EA on Friday, May 3. The event was a joint venture between the music departments of The Episcopal Academy and the Exeter Township School District- located outside of Reading, Pennsylvania.
Micah Albrycht '05, son of EA teachers Janet and Hank Albrycht, is the orchestra director at Exeter Township Junior High School and Senior High School. Micah brought his students to watch and participate in the class before attending a Philadelphia Orchestra concert later in the afternoon.
"It has been my experience that in these types of master class settings, students may hear and receive instruction that, at the root, is identical to what they have already been exposed to, but because it comes from a different source, suddenly clicks in the their mind," explained Micah. "For students considering going into music, what an invaluable opportunity that not only offers them a higher profile performance, but also exposes them to the highest level of musicianship and instruction."
Karissa Lim '20 performed the Rococo variations by Tchaikovsky. "The music department was thrilled to welcome Priscilla," said Orchestra Director James Finegan. "It was a pleasure to have such a high-caliber musician come in to work with our students. I am hoping that this will be a longer-term partnership between ourselves and the Exeter district."
"My earliest memory of music at EA was listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons in the basement of the Wetherill House at the old Merion campus with our music teacher Ms. Stigliano," said Micah. "From there, I moved up through Mrs. Albrycht's (mom's) music class, began participating in orchestra and string ensemble in 4th grade on violin, and continued with it all the way through 12th grade. These experiences helped guide and lead me into the field of music as a profession."
"Priscilla was phenomenal in her work with the high school musicians. She talked to them on their level and each student improved markedly in a short period of time," said Mr. Finegan.
