Passing the baton is an ANAM exclusive series featuring some of ANAM's 2021 alumni and new first year musicians.
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Words by:
Charlotte Miles (cello 2021) and Noah Lawrence (cello VIC)
Prior to the year commencing, we invited a number of incoming ANAM musicians to seek wisdom from a few most recent alum. In this fourth release of Passing the Baton, cellist and recent alumna Charlotte Miles (2021) shares her best memories at ANAM to her friend, and first year, Noah Lawrence (cello VIC).
Charlotte training from home during the 2020 lockdown
Photo by Pia Johnson for ANAM
Noah: How would you spend a typical day at ANAM? How would this change if you were rehearsing for a large-scale program? Where’s your favourite place around Abbotsford to celebrate after a concert?
Charlotte: For me, a typical day at ANAM begins with a morning commute to our Marine Parade practice studios in Collingwood, followed by an hour or two of personal practice, then perhaps a lesson. After that, there might be a little adventure for a mouth-watering Vietnamese pork roll, then some more practice, followed by a walk to the Convent for a few hours of class or chamber rehearsal, and then the commute home. During orchestral weeks, I’ll spend the majority of my time at the Convent, sitting outside between the morning and afternoon rehearsals at the Convent’s cafes or unwinding in its stunning gardens. And of course, the perfect ANAM day wouldn’t be complete without finishing with a drink surrounded by my wonderful friends at Bodriggy Brewing Company or the Park Hotel, especially post-concert!
Noah Lawrence (cello VIC)
Photo by Pia Johnson for ANAM
Noah: Can you describe the atmosphere in one of ANAM’s performance practice classes?
Charlotte: The atmosphere in our instrument, section and performance classes is one of such incredible inspiration and communal respect. From the first outing of a new piece in the fun and intimate safe space of cello class, to its transformation in the stimulating masterclass atmosphere of string class, all the way through to its presentation as a finished product for the whole cohort on the simulated concert stage of performance class, these three class progression points chart the development of both your performance of a work and your maturity as an artist. Although these three classes vary in their size and formality, the warmth and wisdom of the rapport between performer and faculty remains a constant hallmark of the ANAM class experience, fostering a beautiful environment of belonging and creative insight as we learn and discover together.
Noah: The ANAM lifestyle seems as though it is extremely varied, and can often be quite busy. Do you have any strategies to help manage a full musical calendar? What’s your advice for making the most of the ANAM experience as a whole?
Charlotte: You’re absolutely right Noah – the ANAM lifestyle is so varied and holistic that on the same day you could be introducing a class of nine-year-olds to the inner workings of a Beethoven string trio, receiving expert advice on biomechanics, and rehearsing a monumental Mahler symphony. But despite their apparent differences, every ANAM activity is underpinned by the act of listening and the art of collaboration; as long as you remain guided by these skills, and make very good friends with Google Calendar, you will become a versatile, generous and multi-faceted musician. Never underestimate the power of score study on the tram, or twenty minutes of troubleshooting practice – survival in the ANAM busy season is often about working smarter rather than harder – and remember to take time away from the instrument to decompress, recharge, and surround yourself with things that bring you joy. For all of us who have been fortunate enough to be part of it, “ANAM” is synonymous with “family”, and I hope you’ll embrace every incredible opportunity with the knowledge that you will be supported unconditionally throughout three of the best years of your life.