Music In The Stacks: North Winds

The Hudson Area Library continues its 2019 Music in the Stacks, a series of free Sunday afternoon concerts featuring local and international artists and hosted by Hudson area youth organizations. NorthWinds, a bassoon ensemble, begins the fall lineup on Sunday, September 8, 4-5:30pm. They are facilitated by student members of the Hudson City School District’s Tri-M Music Honor Society led by instrumental music teacher and News Channel 13 Top Teacher, Scott Vorwald. NorthWinds, a self-described “typhoon of bassoons”, has found a cheerful and spirited platform for this unsung bass wind pipe. The ensemble was formed in 2017 with the idea that all music is created equal - except in a bassoon ensemble, which is more equal than others. These players bring out the jaunty, the moody, the serene, and the serious nature of the instrument in an accessible manner for the audience. The enthusiasm is infectious as the group performs and chats with the audience. What’s a double reed? You “crow” a reed? Wait, it’s eight feet long? Contra? Hold on: is that an accordion up there? “The Music in the Stacks concept fits right in with NorthWinds’ democratic format of music and interaction with the audience. Hearing beautiful music and learning how musicians train, practice, transpose, interact with each other and experience music all in the beautiful setting of our library’s main book stacks is a unique opportunity for the audience. Stay after the hour mini-concert to chat with the musicians during our wine and cheese reception,” says Brenda Shufelt, Program Director. The four bassoonists are John Douglas Ferrigno, Karen Kelland, Cornelia McGiver, and Nora Post. As for NorthWinds’ credentials? This is what they have offered: “the group has PhDs, post graduate degrees, and years of study with prestigious musicians; one of us has even left behind a distinguished career as an oboist and has come to see the light as a bassoonist. Between the group we have toured Europe, performed solos with major orchestras, been part of Grammy nominated ensembles, and of course, trekked through the work-a-day world of the freelance musician.” The Music in the Stacks concerts reflect a wide range of musical styles, genres, instruments and cultures - giving the community new musical experiences and opportunities for cultural exchange. The concerts are held on the main floor of the library in the historic Hudson Armory, which is a large open space with unique acoustics. Each concert is hosted by young people, from a Hudson area organization, who introduce the musicians and facilitate a conversation about their music, instruments, or cultural tradition. A reception follows each concert with a chance for audience members to share their reactions and interact the musicians, youth emcees and each other. Audience members receive cultural passports, which are stamped at each concert. After turning in their passports they are then eligible for chances (based on the number of concerts attended) to win a gift certificate to a Hudson music venue. This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Greene County Council on the Arts. For more information, email programs@hudsonarealibrary.org, call 518-828-1792 x101, or visit the main desk in the library.