I AM PUMPED to be officiallly kicking off my ClarinetFest 2025 adventure destined for Ft. Worth, Texas as both a speaker and performer for the International Clarinet Association. But my bigger news is that today, I made my first formal appearance as a classical musician in the UK 🇬🇧 !
From Leeds to Hitchin: Following the Music
Yesterday started early. At 6am, I checked out of the Queens Hotel in Leeds and caught the 7am train to Stevenage. From there, a taxi brought me to Hitchin, for the concert scheduled for today in the stunning St. Mary’s Church of England that dates back to the Saxon era.
But this post isn’t just about a concert. It’s about how showing up—even when you think you’re just attending a conference, like I did for ClarinetFest and how it can spark a cascade of unexpected opportunities.
From Audience Member to Performer
Last year, Practice Not Perfect or PNP (our free, virtual music practice studio for Hive musicians), awarded our first ClarinetFest scholarship. The 2024 recipient, @rochellegracilla, joined us in Dublin and is now a presenter this year, sharing her expertise on Clarinetists’ Hand Health, because it's not just athletes who get injured in their practice and in exhibition.
Performances are a huge part of ClarinetFest. Sitting in a sold out concert hall in the Fair City, Rochelle & I were absolutely blown away by the mastery of the British Clarinet Ensemble (BCE).
Practice Not Perfect: Full Circle Moments
The very next day, I found myself chatting with their music director and contra-bassist in the exhibition hall of the conference. Now, exactly one year later, I’m no longer watching from the audience—I’m on stage with them! #dreamscometrue
So, even if you’re not sure you belong, or if your budget only covers admission and not the shiny gadgets in the vendor hall, go anyway. Wander. Meet people. Be open. And keep doing what you’re doing! That one conversation could lead to your next installment of living the dream!!
Nothing Beats Arriving a City Seeing Your Concert Promoted
Banners and posters are everywhere. Special HitchFest coffee and bar pop-ups are abuzz with all sorts of creatives. All the hotels are fully booked...even the dodgy ones (ask me how I know)! 😆
Creativity On Tour: Podcasting, Performing, and Pop-Ups
Hosting the combo of five CWH & PNP sessions a day and staying on recording schedule with our podcast whilst on tour leads me to honestly say that I can do move when creatively motivated than I ever knew I could.
Sometimes, we have to think outside the box to make it all work. For example, yesterday to stay on track with the recording schedule for Creative Work Hour Podcast, I had to hire a Hitchin Library meeting room for the day (where under the table on the floor I sneaked in a one-hour nap!).
The Adventure Continues. I'm Texas Bound! 🤠 🐴
But tonight as I write you from my London Heathrow Radisson Red hotel (still wearing my concert blacks, mind you) to sleep over for tomorrow's flight to Texas. I feel amazing! I'm now a bona fide performing member of BCE, having just played my gig as part of the Hitchin Festival.
Note: just like on Hive, some BCE members prefer not be photographed, so "here we are" during the programme interval.
I'm happy to report that Episode 58, “Can Getting Lost Lead to a Breakthrough?”, of the Creative Work Hour podcast is published, thanks to @gregscloud our producer. You can hear it here.
Want to join the crew for inspired co-vibing Creative Work Hour sessions? Join our Discord or visit our website.
Much love! 🤠
Alessandra