Welcome to Orpheus Looks Ahead!
“ Orpheus ( Greek: Ὀρφεύς) was a legendary musician, poet, and prophet in ancient Greek religion and myth. The major stories about him are centered on his ability to charm all living things and even stones with his music, his attempt to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld, and his death at the hands of those who could not hear his divine music.”
-wikipedia
Welcome to Orpheus Looks Ahead!
I have long had this title in mind, as someone who loves songs, stories, and constructive endings.
In the old story, Orpheus looks back to see if Eurydice is following him out of the underworld, despite Hades’ having warned him that doing so would cause him to lose her forever. When he turns, he finds she had been following him, but he sees her fall back into the underworld.
I was inspired to start the guitarist singer songwriter showcase because I heard gorgeous songs by students, and I wanted to showcase them so that they were heard (and given the stage to be cultivated however the songwriters envisioned them best to be).
When I would remember a student’s song in detail years later, I thought of the power these musicians have, like Orpheus charming all living things with his lyre; the original guitarist singer songwriter.
Unfortunately for Orpheus, Hades and the Greek gods were not terribly constructive in their thinking. Luckily, my Berklee Chair people, being great musicians and great administrators all in one, are experts at helping faculty, students, community, and music, to thrive. And so I was able to make this website, direct this showcase, and coach the Joni Mitchell ensemble. In these students, the spirit of Orpheus is looking forward.
Bust of Attis wearing a Phrygian cap (Parian marble, 2nd century AD).” (I would probably choose a Lydian or Mixolydian cap, what about you?)
The GSSS Showcase
I direct the guitarist singer songwriter showcase yearly in the Berklee Performance Center, featuring 10-12 students in a student-artist-affirming setting. Through song sharing, and through talent sharing if it suits the songwriter, by the concert we are all advocates for each other’s songs. I am passionate about this concert, because it has allowed me to recognize and validate an area within our community which is not directly featured in other specifically guitar, specifically songwriting, or specifically singing concerts or clubs at the college. Also, I have always loved this music, and if you are reading this you likely do also.
The Blogs: Likewise, I constantly hear insightful (to profound) observations from students, current or former; observations which I hate to forget, and which should be shared. Hence the blogs included here. Now when they say something wonderful, I can say, please write that down and post it on this website.
The Joni Mitchell Ensemble: What can I say about this, except it’s pure joy to coach, and tremendously rewarding .
Thank you for visiting Orpheus Looks Ahead; I hope you enjoy the offerings we will present here!
Top image: Wikipedia: “Roman mosaic depicting Orpheus, wearing a Phrygian cap and surrounded by the beasts charmed by the music of his lyre” (more about the Phrygian cap above)
