Mr. Mahler

Just a quick post, wanted to share something I have been listening to a lot lately.

Mahler is known mostly for his symphonic use of texture and color to create entire universes from all the sounds an orchestra can produce. But did you know he also wrote one movement of a piano quartet as a student? It is pared down, three or four motivic ideas played out over nine minutes, and it is absolutely beautiful. I have probably listened to it six or seven times the past three days. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPXinFjtIyg

Gig!

We recently played a gig, featuring mostly rock and jazz. It was super fun! Check out this video from our performance.

"Judy and the Dream of Horses" - Belle & Sebastian

Waiting and Waiting...

Towards the end of last year, someone started writing an article about Octave for Cornell's website. They interviewed us, filmed us teaching lessons, and even came for a tour of our suite. We waited and waited for the article to be published (who wouldn't be excited to have an article published about them?), but it never appeared. Just when we began to think that it would never be published, it showed up on the Cornell website!

Any way, here it is!

http://www.cornellcollege.edu/admissions/opportune-moments/octave.shtml

Beetle (Finally)

Directed by Osean Perez.

I thought this could be a nice little addition to the youtube universe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2n6BTRD5ic

Sound quality is the greatest at some points, but oh well.

It's what all the cool kids are doing

I am in the process of writing my personal statement for veterinary school and guess what I'm writing it about? Music. Specifically, how music has prepared me for my future career.

I love when music and science mix. Here are a couple of interesting links about the benefits of playing music:

http://www.nammfoundation.org/research/research-briefs-did-you-know

And, if you play a string instrument, you are EXTRA COOL:

http://stringvisions.ovationpress.com/2011/05/string-players-brains-are-special/

Family Portrait

Finally, a photo with all eight 2nd Generation Octave members.

This is what we look(ed) like

2010-2011 crew (minus one)

I wish there was a picture of all of us...

Prelude no. 4 in e minor

Here's a little taste of what Octave likes to do in our spare time! Hope you like it.

4 Petites Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise

Enjoy.

Octave's Next Undertaking

A proposal for Octave's next project, in all our spare time.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/6YYBwg/www.whitetreeaz.com/gibber/faeries_aire_and_death_waltz.jpg