"...right away, he dived into the music on a level that I had never previously experienced. He treated the music in a serious, respectful way at a profound level, demanding engagement with not only the technical elements of the score, but more importantly, the musical and emotional impact of the music. He treated us as adults, demanding intelligence, thoughtfulness and a passionate reaction to the music that brought out a sound that I had never before heard in our little ensemble.
David Barg not only inspired me (and so many others) in many musical ways, but has also helped me in many practical ways that I still use today. He is kind and friendly, yet he demands a professionalism, even in children, that prepares them for success (in whatever field they choose, not just music). He'd have the ensemble sit up straight, with no talking, no gum and no complaints. He treated us with politeness and courtesy and he expected the same treatment in return." Original Letter
David Barg not only inspired me (and so many others) in many musical ways, but has also helped me in many practical ways that I still use today. He is kind and friendly, yet he demands a professionalism, even in children, that prepares them for success (in whatever field they choose, not just music). He'd have the ensemble sit up straight, with no talking, no gum and no complaints. He treated us with politeness and courtesy and he expected the same treatment in return." Original Letter
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"It is a jaw-dropping, breath-taking experience to be anywhere in the hall of a Barg-with-youth-orchestra experience. I remember it from being a part of it in the orchestra at 13 (and many subsequent summers) and I now experience it by listening in the audience as faculty at the same summer festival. It’s electric. It's something that only comes when every single person on that stage is completely committed to the moment and is giving 100% to the music. Nothing matters in that moment except for art. That is it. You could die happy knowing that you gave your all for something worthwhile.
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I have been to many orchestra festivals and have played in many great college orchestras and such, so I can say with much certainty that this level of dedication that Barg draws out of the orchestra is a rare thing indeed. It is magic. It is life. It is memorable for everyone involved for the rest of their lives. What a gift it is to the youth involved in whatever orchestra is lucky enough to have David as its conductor." Original Letter
Honestly, what teenager wants to get up at 7 am in the middle of the summer? One who has orchestra rehearsal with David Barg first thing in the morning does.
He is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. He would encourage all of the students to “Get out of your comfort zone!” I got way out of my comfort zone when I took Mr. Barg’s conducting class. As a kid, it was very hard for me to stand up in front of my peers and
conduct, but Mr. Barg did not let any of us stop giving our very best effort.
Another thing I remember about Mr. Barg is his ability to facilitate group energy and a sense of community in an orchestra. Whenever a section leader had a comment to make, he would have them stand up, face their section, and say it. He would have all the section leaders introduce
themselves to each person in the section. Mr. Barg taught all of us how to play together, how to breathe together, and how to move together. He showed us the importance of applauding for fellow young musicians- for example, when someone finished conducting a piece in conducting class or gave an answer to a question. This helped me, as I know it helped all of the other students, feel more connected to each other member of the orchestra.
Original Letter
He is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. He would encourage all of the students to “Get out of your comfort zone!” I got way out of my comfort zone when I took Mr. Barg’s conducting class. As a kid, it was very hard for me to stand up in front of my peers and
conduct, but Mr. Barg did not let any of us stop giving our very best effort.
Another thing I remember about Mr. Barg is his ability to facilitate group energy and a sense of community in an orchestra. Whenever a section leader had a comment to make, he would have them stand up, face their section, and say it. He would have all the section leaders introduce
themselves to each person in the section. Mr. Barg taught all of us how to play together, how to breathe together, and how to move together. He showed us the importance of applauding for fellow young musicians- for example, when someone finished conducting a piece in conducting class or gave an answer to a question. This helped me, as I know it helped all of the other students, feel more connected to each other member of the orchestra.
Original Letter
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"...the gripping emotional intensity of Shostakovich's work is no small undertaking even for the most seasoned of professional musicians. Yet in 10 days, with an amateur orchestra made up of mostly junior high and high school students and a few younger college students, we did just that. Through David Barg's incredible teaching, we understood the music and did it. And the audience got it too.
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At the end of the performance, there was a moment of silence, which felt like an eternity, and we all knew that not only had the musicians nailed the performance, but all of us, musicians, and audience alike were taking a moment of silence in honor of those who suffered. It was an incredible experience! This is only one example of the so many experiences I had of David's extraordinary leadership and teaching." Original Letter
Former students...now fellow faculty members
A very special moment at the 2012 Omaha Conservatory Summer Institute: four former Kansan students (some of whom started working with me when they were 11!) now together on the Institute faculty! From R: Jesse Griggs, Treesa Gold, David Barg, Sara Almetus, Matthew Gold.